KATHMANDU, Nepal: In a dramatic turn of events, the Nepali Army has been deployed across the Kathmandu Valley to enforce a strict curfew and a prohibitory order, following a “Genz” protest that has spiraled into a security crisis. The unrest, which began over a social media ban, has plunged the nation into a state of chaos, with rampant looting, arson, and clashes with security forces.
The Army’s intervention has been met with a massive security operation to restore order. This has included the arrest of four individuals for looting a supermarket and the seizure of significant amounts of stolen currency. In a testament to the level of lawlessness, authorities also confirmed the recovery of 32 looted firearms and the re-arrest of 26 inmates who had escaped from the Dadeldhura District Prison.
The ongoing unrest has also had a severe impact on the nation’s infrastructure and services. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has been closed since Monday afternoon due to the threat of arson, leaving travelers stranded and disrupting international flights. In addition, the Supreme Court has suspended hearings indefinitely.
While the government’s Chief Secretary, Eaknarayan Aryal, is coordinating efforts to maintain basic services, the Nepali Army has urged all citizens to stay indoors and cooperate with security personnel. The Army’s presence has brought a degree of calm to the streets of Kathmandu, but with a nationwide curfew in effect, the path to normalcy remains uncertain. (ATP)
