Curfew Lifted In Nepal As Daily Life Resumes After Political Turmoil

Nepalese authorities lifted the curfew and prohibitory orders across Kathmandu Valley and other regions on Saturday, signalling a return to normalcy following days of unrest. Shops, markets, and malls reopened, traffic resumed, and cleaning operations began at vandalised government sites. A Nepal Army spokesperson confirmed the end of restrictions, allowing unrestricted public movement for the first time since the crisis escalated.

The move comes a day after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal's first female prime minister, heading an interim government. This follows the resignation of K.P. Sharma Oli on Tuesday amid widespread protests over corruption allegations and a controversial social media ban. The ban, imposed earlier in the week, was lifted Monday night after violent clashes. Protesters, largely from the 'Gen Z' demographic, stormed Oli's office, demanding accountability for police actions that resulted in fatalities.

According to Nepal Police, at least 51 people died during the protests that began Monday, including one Indian national. The demonstrations highlighted growing youth frustration with governance issues in Nepal, a country with a history of political instability and frequent leadership changes since the 2008 abolition of the monarchy. The Nepalese Army assumed control of security after Oli's exit, imposing curfews to restore order while permitting limited public access during designated hours.

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Karki's appointment aims to stabilise the nation and prepare for fresh elections. As interim leader, she is tasked with addressing the underlying grievances that fuelled the agitation, including demands for transparency and reforms. While the lifting of curfew marks a step toward recovery, observers note that deeper political reforms will be essential to prevent future unrest.

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