A political crisis has arisen in the country after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation due to heavy protests in Nepal. However, Nepal’s army has taken over law and order. At the same time, the deadlock over the selection of interim chief for running the government continued on Thursday.
President Ramchandra Paudel appealed for peace and said that his goal is to find a solution to the political crisis within the constitutional structure. Despite the political talks for the transitional government continue, the situation in Kathmandu and other parts of the country remains peaceful. The army is patrolling sensitive areas. According to officials, the death toll in violent protests of two days starting on Monday has increased to 34.
Representatives of young-leaders Jane-G, who are leading anti-government protests, held meetings with top military officials to finalize a transitional government. However, a standoff came to a standstill on the issue of who would lead it.
The representatives of the protesters ‘Jane Ji’ group in Nepal are talking to Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel and Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel on Thursday to decide the name of the leader of the interim government at the Army Headquarters in Bhadrakali. Sources gave this information.
Sources said former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Mayor of Kathmandu, Balendra Shah, former CEO of Nepal Electricity Authority, Kulman Ghising and Dharan’s Mayor Harka Sampang were among those who were considering to lead the Jane-G group government.
The interim leader will replace Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned on Tuesday after a violent movement led by students. ‘Jane Ji’ is the youth born between 1997 and 2012. An army spokesperson confirmed that talks with various stakeholders continue. However, he did not name anyone.
The army spokesperson said, “We are having several rounds of talks with various stakeholders. The conversation focuses mainly on exiting the current deadlock as well as maintaining law and order in the country. During the meeting, a large number of youths outside the army headquarters were eagerly waiting to hear the verdict.
According to media reports, since the violence that began on Monday, more than 15,000 prisoners have escaped from more than 25 jails. The army on Thursday extended prohibitory orders in three districts of Kathmandu Valley, as well as allowing the movement of people for some certain time-resorts, as it is gradually returning to normal state.
In his first remarks after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned as the PM on Tuesday, Paudel said that they appeal to all the parties to be convinced that the problem is being resolved as soon as possible to meet the demands of the agitating citizens. He appealed to cooperate in maintaining peace and order in the country with restraint.
An army spokesperson confirmed that negotiations with various stakeholders were going on. However, he did not name anyone. Although sources said that Mayor Shah has expressed his support for Karki, it is still not clear who will lead the new cabinet. Some activists expressed support for Karki, while others supported Ghising.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said that 34 people have died so far during the protests on Monday and Tuesday. According to the ministry, 1,338 people are undergoing treatment in hospitals across the country, while 949 have already been discharged.
President Paudel said that they are making every effort to protect democracy and get out of the current political deadlock within the constitutional structure. At the same time, they are working towards maintaining law and order.
Officials said three prisoners were killed and 13 others were injured in a clash with security personnel on Thursday in the Ramechap district jail of Madhesh province. With these latest deaths, the number of prisoners who died in clashes with security forces has increased to eight since Tuesday.
The Kathmandu Post newspaper quoted the police as saying that, the escape from the jail started when the young protesters attacked several jails, set fire to administrative buildings and forcibly opened the jail doors. By Wednesday evening, preliminary reports confirmed that more than 15,000 prisoners had escaped from more than 25 jails.
Some leaders of the GEN-Z group held a press conference in Kathmandu, where they said that Parliament should be dissolved and the constitution should be amended according to the wishes of the people. He stressed the need to find solutions through dialogue and cooperation. He warned the old political parties not to use them for their vested interests. A worker said that this is a completely civil movement, so it should not be tried to do politics.
Following the incidents of arson and sabotage across the country, the army, which took security arrangements from Tuesday night, warned that any kind of demonstration, sabotage, arson or attack on individuals and property will be considered as criminal acts and will be dealt with accordingly.
A small group of students from major parties performing in some parts of Kathmandu has warned that the constitution should be protected during the formation of the new government and democracy and human rights should be protected. The Immigration Department has said in a notice that people whose visa has ended after September 8 and those living in Nepal can obtain exit permits without any fee.
Similarly, necessary arrangements have also been made for visa transfer for those foreign nationals who lost their passport during unrest and have obtained travel documents or emergency passports from their respective embassies. Nepal’s central bank, Nepal Rashtra Bank has directed all commercial banks to continue services for customers from 10 am to 2 pm. The bank remained closed due to the protests of the Gen-Z group.
The Nepal army has destroyed eight socket bombs recovered from the Nayabasti area of the Municipality, about 60 km east of Kathmandu. Security forces have taken 166 prisoners who have run away from various jails across the country under their control. He has also recovered 97 illegal weapons from different parts of the country. These arms were robbed by some people from security personnel during riots.
