International Desk
11 September
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Journalist
Nepal is facing one of the most serious political and social crises in its recent history. Widespread anti-government protests, violent clashes, and the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli have pushed the Himalayan nation into turmoil. To control the chaos, the Nepal Army has stepped in, announcing strict restrictions and a nationwide curfew. The unfolding events have left the streets of Kathmandu deserted, the country’s main airport shut, and thousands of prisoners on the run.
The Nepal Army announced that restrictions would remain in force until 5 p.m., while a strict curfew would continue until September 11 at 6 a.m. The army explained that the decision was made to stop looting, arson, and other destructive activities that erupted during protests.
In a public statement, the army made it clear that any acts of protest, vandalism, arson, or attacks on individuals and property during the curfew would be treated as criminal offenses. Authorities warned that such activities would be dealt with firmly and that no unlawful actions would be tolerated.
The statement also highlighted risks of violent attacks and forced entry into government institutions, saying that curfew was the only way to ensure security.
However, the army clarified that essential services would not be disrupted. Ambulances, fire brigades, health workers, and security personnel will be allowed to move freely to ensure that critical services continue to function.
The usually bustling capital, Kathmandu, has fallen silent. Streets that were once crowded with people, tourists, and vehicles now look deserted. Shops and businesses remain closed, and residents have been told to stay indoors. Similar scenes have been reported in other major towns and cities across Nepal.
The reason for this eerie silence is the scale of violence that took place during the protests. Angry demonstrators attacked and set fire to key government buildings, including Nepal’s parliament, the president’s office, the prime minister’s residence, and the Supreme Court. Political party headquarters and the homes of senior leaders were also targeted.
This widespread destruction has raised fears that Nepal’s democratic institutions are under serious threat.
Another major development in the crisis is the closure of Nepal’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Authorities announced that the airport would remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns.
The sudden shutdown has left hundreds of foreign nationals stranded in Nepal. Tourists, business travelers, and aid workers are unable to leave, while incoming flights have also been suspended. For a country heavily dependent on tourism, the closure of the international airport adds further damage to its fragile economy.
Adding to the turmoil, riots broke out inside prisons across Nepal. Reports from western Nepal revealed that at least five underage inmates were killed and four others seriously injured in clashes with security guards at the Naubasta juvenile reform facility. The incident occurred when inmates attempted to seize weapons from security personnel.
In an even more shocking development, more than 7,000 prisoners managed to escape from jails across the country amid the chaos. Many of these inmates were serving time for serious crimes, raising concerns about law and order in the days ahead. Authorities are now trying to track down and re-arrest the fugitives, but the scale of the jailbreak makes this a daunting task.
The root of the crisis lies in political unrest and public dissatisfaction with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Oli, who had long been criticized for corruption, poor governance, and controversial foreign policies, finally resigned after days of violent demonstrations.
For months, opposition parties and civil society groups had accused Oli of failing to address Nepal’s pressing issues, including unemployment, inflation, and strained relations with neighboring countries. The anger reached a tipping point when protesters took to the streets in large numbers, demanding his resignation.
Oli’s resignation is not just a domestic political change—it also has international implications. Known to be close to China, Oli’s departure may shift Nepal’s foreign policy balance toward India and the West.
China has been watching Nepal’s crisis closely. In its first official statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged all groups in Nepal to handle domestic issues responsibly and restore order.
“China and Nepal are traditional friendly neighbors. We hope that all sections of Nepal will properly deal with domestic problems and restore social order and stability at the earliest,” Lin said during a press briefing.
Interestingly, China avoided making any direct comment on Oli’s resignation. Analysts believe this is because Oli was seen as Beijing’s ally, and China wants to avoid appearing directly involved in Nepal’s internal matters.
For ordinary Nepalis, the curfew and political uncertainty have brought daily life to a halt. Families are staying indoors, stocking food and water, while small businesses have shut their doors. Fear of looting and violence has spread across neighborhoods.
Students and office workers are unable to move freely, while those in medical need are relying on emergency services. Several NGOs and foreign missions have advised their staff to remain indoors until stability is restored.
The crisis in Nepal has alarmed the international community. Embassies of several countries have issued warnings to their citizens, advising them to avoid crowded places and follow local authorities’ instructions. India, China, and Western nations are closely monitoring developments, fearing instability could spill over into the region.
Human rights groups have also expressed concern over the deaths of juveniles in prison and the use of force against protesters. They are calling for independent investigations into these incidents.
Nepal now faces a long and difficult road ahead. The army’s curfew may bring temporary calm, but lasting peace depends on political solutions. A new government must be formed quickly, one that can win the trust of the people and restore stability.
The release of thousands of prisoners adds to the security challenges, while the destruction of major institutions has damaged public confidence. Economically, the shutdown of the international airport and collapse of tourism will add further pressure.
Experts warn that if political leaders fail to reach an agreement soon, Nepal could face prolonged instability.
Nepal’s crisis is a reminder of how quickly political unrest can spiral into national chaos. Prime Minister Oli’s resignation, violent protests, mass jailbreaks, and the imposition of curfew show the depth of anger and instability gripping the country.
The army’s intervention may prevent immediate violence, but the bigger question remains: how will Nepal rebuild its political institutions, restore law and order, and regain the trust of its people?
For now, Nepal stands at a critical crossroads. The decisions made in the coming weeks will determine whether it can return to peace and stability or descend further into turmoil.