Nepal Relaxes Curfew, Allows Limited Movement Under Army Orders

The Nepal Army has prolonged prohibitory orders in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts, permitting brief windows for public movement as the nation edges toward normalcy following deadly protests that ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. With troops maintaining street patrols to curb potential unrest, this measured relaxation aims to balance security with essential needs, yet incidents like a fatal prison escape attempt underscore lingering volatility. As Gen Z-led demonstrations subside, the focus shifts to forming an interim government, highlighting youth-driven demands for reform and the challenges of restoring order in a politically fragile Himalayan state, potentially influencing regional stability and India's neighboring interests.

The curfew, initially imposed Wednesday at 5 pm to prevent violence disguised as protests, was eased from 6 am Thursday, allowing movement until 10 am for essentials. Restrictions resume from 10 am to 5 pm, followed by a 5 pm to 7 pm relaxation and a night curfew until 6 am Friday. Residents flocked to markets for supplies, navigating roads scarred by arson and vandalism since Sunday's eruptions, which culminated in Oli's Tuesday resignation amid nationwide chaos.

The army, assuming security control Tuesday night, has warned against demonstrations, treating vandalism or attacks as crimes. Tribhuvan International Airport reopened Wednesday evening after a 24-hour shutdown. However, Thursday saw two deaths and over a dozen injuries when troops fired on inmates attempting a mass breakout from Ramechhap District Prison. Earlier, five juvenile inmates died in a western Nepal jail clash, with over 7,000 prisoners escaping nationwide during the turmoil.

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The Health Ministry reports 30 protest-related deaths since Sunday, with 1,061 injuries—719 discharged and 274 hospitalized. No decision yet on interim leadership; sources indicate former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang (replacing Kulman Ghising) are contenders proposed by the Gen Z group. These developments could accelerate political transitions, fostering accountability while risking further instability if unresolved.

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