Desk Report,
Nepal’s ‘Gen-G’ claim that protests have been hijacked by opportunists
Nepal is going through its worst period of unrest in decades. After two days of youth protests, soldiers are now patrolling the streets of the country’s capital, Kathmandu.
Nepal’s ‘Gen-G’ claim that protests have been hijacked by opportunists
On Tuesday, protests against corruption in Nepal gradually turned into arson and violence. That day, the country’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned in the face of the protests. Protesters vandalized the homes of politicians. They set fire to government buildings and parliament. 30 people were killed in the two-day violence. More than 1,000 people were injured.
The ‘Gen-G’ youth who led the protests said they were far from destructive activities. Their protest was hijacked by opportunists. Kathmandu airport was reopened yesterday, Wednesday. The atmosphere in the capital was tense. Because most of the city’s residents did not come out of their homes due to the curfew. And smoke was still coming out of the burned buildings.
The army is trying to control the current situation. They have called on the youth of ‘Gen-G’ to participate in peaceful discussions. A representative of the student leaders told the BBC that they are preparing a list of new demands.
A curfew will remain in place across the country until Thursday morning. The army has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone who commits new violence or vandalism. So far, 27 people have been arrested and 31 firearms have been recovered in connection with the violence and looting.
The army has set up checkpoints in various areas of the capital. Vehicles are being searched. Soldiers are advising people to stay indoors. People are prohibited from going anywhere except for essential needs. Despite this, some young people were seen outside yesterday. Wearing masks and carrying plastic bags, they were seen cleaning the areas affected by the protests.
14-year-old Kasang Lama did not take part in the protest. He said, ‘Nepal has been plagued by corruption for a long time. I think now is the right time to change the country. I hope this movement will bring some positive results.’
24-year-old Parash Pratap Hamal took part in the protest. He believes that Nepal needs an independent political leader. The young man sees Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (better known as Balen Shah) as a good leader.
Rakesh Nirula, 36, from eastern Nepal, said, ‘After this revolution, people are now optimistic. There is hope for better governance. We think this is a lesson for leaders, they can learn from this protest to improve their skills. And this will make the country’s future brighter.’
