Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel has called for restraint as the country faces a deepening political crisis following the fall of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government.
The youth-led “Gen Z” movement, whose protests forced Oli’s resignation on September 9, remains divided over who should head the interim administration. While demonstrations have calmed in recent days, unrest earlier in the week left 34 people dead and caused extensive damage in Kathmandu, including parts of the Singha Durbar complex that houses the Prime Minister’s Office.
In a statement on Thursday, President Poudel said he was engaged in “consultations and deliberations” to find a solution. He assured citizens that efforts were underway to meet protesters’ demands “as quickly as possible” but within constitutional limits. “I urge everyone to remain confident and exercise restraint so that peace and security can be restored,” he added.
The crisis has intensified debate over the Nepal Army’s role after it was appointed as the chief negotiator to help identify a leader for the interim government. Critics warn this could set a troubling precedent by expanding the military’s influence in civilian politics.
Uncertainty continues as parties struggle to chart a path forward.
Leave a Reply