KATHMANDU, Sept 9: The Nepali Army (NA) announced it will take charge of security operations from 10 PM on Tuesday, following a day of violent unrest in the Kathmandu Valley and several other parts of the country.
Earlier in the day, protests that began as peaceful demonstrations against corruption and recent government decisions escalated into widespread clashes in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country. Several incidents of arson, vandalism and looting were reported despite curfews and heightened security presence in sensitive areas.
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In a statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the NA said that “some groups are taking undue advantage of the difficult situation and causing severe damage to ordinary citizens and public property.” It warned that all security mechanisms, including the Nepal Army, will be mobilized to contain the violence if such activities persist.
The NA also appealed for public cooperation, urging citizens not to engage in or support destructive acts. “The security situation will be reassessed thereafter, and further information will be issued,” the statement added.
This is the first time since the outbreak of the latest youth-led protests that the national army has formally announced its readiness to directly oversee security operations. The move underscores growing concern that existing police efforts may not be sufficient to restore order.
Protests, largely led by Generation Z activists, intensified on Tuesday, fueled by anger over corruption scandals, economic hardship and restrictions on social media platforms. The government has already imposed curfews in several parts of Kathmandu, particularly around sensitive government installations and the residences of VVIPs.
The NA’s intervention is being closely watched amid fears of further escalation and international calls for restraint. On Monday, the UN Human Rights Office urged Nepal to ensure that security forces exercise maximum restraint and to launch a prompt and transparent investigation into protest-related deaths.
