"Vandalism, looting, arson in the name of protest will be treated as punishable crime," warns Nepal Army amid unrest

Nepali soldiers fanned out across Kathmandu on Wednesday after protesters torched parliament and forced the prime minister to resign in the country’s worst unrest in two decades, as the army warned that “vandalism, looting, arson, or attacks on individuals and property in the name of protest will be treated as punishable crimes.”

Protests that began Monday in the capital against a government ban on social media and corruption allegations spiraled into nationwide unrest after a deadly crackdown claimed at least 19 lives. Demonstrators torched government buildings, the homes of politicians, supermarkets and media offices, leaving parts of Kathmandu smouldering.

The army rolled out tanks and issued loudspeaker warnings, declaring vandalism, looting, arson and attacks on individuals as “punishable crimes.” “It is quiet today, the army is on the streets in all places,” one soldier manning a checkpoint told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Kathmandu’s airport, shut amid the violence, was expected to resume operations by Wednesday evening, according to airport manager Hansa Raj Pandey. Firefighters continued battling flames, including at the offices of Kantipur Media Group, a major news outlet.

The turmoil forced the resignation of 73-year-old KP Sharma Oli, a four-time prime minister and Communist Party leader, after his home was attacked by mobs. Oli said he was stepping aside to allow “steps towards a political solution,” but his whereabouts remain unknown.

Nepal’s Army chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, issued a video appeal urging demonstrators to “call it off and engage in dialogue” to avert further bloodshed. The International Crisis Group described the situation as a “major inflection point” in Nepal’s fragile democratic journey.

International leaders voiced concern. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint to prevent “further escalation of violence,” while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that “the stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us.”

What comes next remains uncertain. Analysts say a transitional arrangement may be needed to restore stability. “The protesters, leaders who are trusted by them and the army should come together to pave the way for a caretaker government,” constitutional lawyer Dipendra Jha told AFP.

Nearly 43 percent of Nepalis are aged 15–40, a demographic grappling with high unemployment and economic frustration. Viral TikTok videos juxtaposing the struggles of ordinary citizens with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children have further inflamed anger.

With inputs from AFP