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Nepal Crisis: Protesters Rally Behind Sushila Karki for Clean and Just Leadership

Nepal remained under tense lockdown on Thursday, with nationwide curfews and sweeping military restrictions in place following the collapse of the civilian government earlier this week. The unrest—sparked by a short-lived social media ban that ignited youth-led protests—has left at least 25 people dead and more than 600 injured, according to the Health Ministry.

Army Steps In Amid Political Vacuum

In a dramatic shift, the Nepali Army has emerged as the central power broker. On Wednesday, Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel held urgent talks with protest representatives and civic leaders at the army headquarters to discuss the country’s next steps.

Among the names floated for interim leadership is Sushila Karki, the former Supreme Court chief justice. Popular among younger Nepalis for her reputation of integrity, Karki is seen as an outsider to the discredited political class. Sushila Karki’s candidacy has resonated strongly with demonstrators who demand leadership untainted by corruption.

From Chaos to Integrity: Sushila Karki Seen as Symbol of Nepal’s Democratic Renewal

With parliament dissolved and civilian authorities sidelined, the military’s direct role underscores both the scale of the crisis and the fragility of Nepal’s democratic institutions.

Rising Youth Movement

The “Gen-Z Movement”, as it has come to be known, erupted after authorities briefly banned Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms on Monday. Protesters viewed the ban as an assault on free expression, sparking spontaneous rallies nationwide.

When police opened fire on crowds, the movement escalated. By Tuesday, government offices were torched, clashes spread across districts, and chaos deepened as protesters stormed prisons. Authorities confirmed that over 13,000 inmates were freed across all 77 districts, fueling fears of rising lawlessness.

For many young demonstrators, the protests represent more than opposition to a ban—they symbolise a rejection of entrenched corruption and decades of broken promises from Nepal’s political elite.

Calls for Calm from Popular Figures

Amid the turmoil, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-engineer who has emerged as a youth icon, appealed for restraint.

“This is a time for responsibility and unity,” Shah told supporters on Wednesday, urging demonstrators to give space for an interim government to form rather than resorting to further violence. His message struck a chord with many, though hardline groups continue to demand immediate systemic change.

Heavy Security Measures

By Thursday morning, the Nepali Army had imposed sweeping curfews in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other major cities. Armoured vehicles rolled through streets, while soldiers patrolled intersections and enforced blanket bans on mass gatherings.

Authorities confirmed dozens of buildings were torched overnight and barricades were erected across urban centres. The Interior Ministry stated that the measures were necessary to prevent “further destabilisation,” although critics warn that the crackdown risks inflaming tensions.

International Concern

The crisis has drawn sharp international attention. Human rights groups have condemned the heavy-handed police response, while regional observers worry about the precedent of military involvement in civilian politics. Diplomats have urged Nepal’s leaders to safeguard democratic institutions and avoid sliding toward authoritarian rule.

Uncertain Path Forward

With the political establishment discredited and youth anger boiling, Nepal stands at a crossroads. Protest leaders remain divided—some demand a youth-led transformation, while others favour transitional leadership under figures like Sushila Karki, who carry judicial and institutional legitimacy.

Analysts warn that the coming days will be decisive: whether Nepal charts a course toward democratic renewal shaped by its Gen-Z movement, or whether Sushila Karki or the military cements its role as arbiter of power in a fragile democracy.

For now, an uneasy calm grips Nepal—its streets patrolled by soldiers, its youth demanding change, and its future hanging in the balance.

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