Army imposes 'prohibitory' measures as uneasy calm prevails in Nepal after protesters oust government

"The prohibitory orders will remain in force until 5:00pm today (1115GMT), after which a curfew will be imposed across the country from 6:00am on Thursday (0015 GMT, Wednesday)," said the Nepalese army in a statement, according to the Himalayan Times.

It added: "Further decisions will be taken depending on the evolving security situation."

Soldiers were deployed across the country late Tuesday night to maintain law and order, hours after Oli stepped down under pressure from protesters who set major government buildings on fire, including the parliament, Oli's private residence, and the president's office.

Singha Durbar, home to key ministries, is also badly damaged. The Ministry of Health and Population, along with other government offices, including the Supreme Court, have been completely destroyed.

At least 20 protesters, mostly youth, were killed and nearly 350 others injured since Monday when protests broke out following a ban on social media by the government.

Soldiers were deployed to maintain law and order as protesters vandalized public properties, as well as freed prisoners.

Addressing the nation Tuesday night, army chief Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel called on people to maintain calm and hold dialogue to solve the crisis in the Himalayan nation.


Jagdishor Panday, editor of Nepal Diplomat, told Anadolu on Wednesday that the army is making public announcements, urging people to maintain calm.

"The security forces are also asking people to return any looted material, including weapons, to the authorities," Panday said over the phone.

While there is no particular leader of this protest movement, he, however, said the security forces are expected to hold a meeting with some of those leading the demonstrations.

"There is demand for an interim government and people from across the Nepalese society are expected to attend these meetings," said Panday, suggesting Gen. Sigdel could host these deliberations.

Separately, China on Wednesday expressed hope that all parties in Nepal "can properly address domestic issues, and restore social order and national stability as soon as possible."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two nations "are traditionally friendly neighbors."