Army assumes command of security as PM Oli resigns amid escalating Gen Z protests

KATHMANDU, Sept 10: The Nepali Army (NA) announced Tuesday evening that it will assume command of nationwide security operations from 10 PM, following a day of violent unrest in Kathmandu Valley and several other parts of the country.

The decision came hours after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation to President Ram Chandra Paudel, amid surging Generation Z–led protests that have spiraled into the most serious political and security crisis in years.

In a statement issued through its 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 agencies, including the army, would be fully mobilized if violence persists.

“The security situation will be reassessed thereafter, and further information will be issued,” the army added, while appealing for public cooperation and urging citizens to refrain from destructive acts.

This marks the first time since the outbreak of the youth-led protests that the national army has formally stepped in to oversee security, reflecting mounting concern that police alone cannot contain the escalating unrest.

At least 19 young protesters were killed nationwide on Monday, which began as peaceful rallies against corruption and a recent ban on social media, while hundreds more have been injured by police fire. Reports of arson, vandalism, looting, and clashes spread across Kathmandu and beyond, despite curfews around key government sites and VVIP residences on Tuesday. Nine additional deaths were confirmed, including three police personnel during the day.

Facing mounting public anger and unable to quell the protests, Prime Minister Oli resigned earlier in the day in accordance with Article 76(2) of the Constitution. In his resignation letter, Oli said he was stepping down “to pave the way for the nation” in light of the deepening turmoil.

As per Article 77(1) of the Constitution, his resignation takes effect immediately. President Paudel, as head of state, now faces the challenge of navigating Nepal through a dangerous power vacuum amid an intensifying crisis.

Addressing the nation in a televised speech late Tuesday evening, Army Chief General Ashokraj Sigdel expressed sorrow over the loss of life and destruction of property. He offered condolences to bereaved families, wished eternal peace for the departed, and called for swift recovery of the injured.

“It is our collective duty to normalize the current difficult situation and safeguard the supreme national interest,” he said. “I therefore urge all sides to suspend protest programs and choose the path of dialogue.”

Sigdel reaffirmed the Nepal Army’s commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizens’ security, while stressing that the demonstrations must not endanger Nepal’s historical and cultural heritage, private property, or diplomatic missions.

President Paudel, who is also the army’s commander-in-chief, echoed these appeals in his own address. He urged protesting youth to remain calm, avoid further violence, and pursue dialogue as the only democratic path to resolving grievances.

“Citizens’ demands can and must be addressed through talks and negotiations in a democracy,” Paudel said. “I call on everyone, including Gen Z representatives, to exercise restraint, prevent further harm to the nation, and join the dialogue process.”

The president also appealed to all Nepalis to cooperate in seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The army’s intervention and Oli’s resignation come as international pressure mounts on Nepal to avoid excessive use of force. On Monday, the UN Human Rights Office urged authorities to launch a transparent investigation into protest-related deaths and ensure that security forces exercise maximum restraint.

With the army now assuming security command, attention is shifting to whether dialogue can take root before the crisis escalates further.

Gen Z movement to enter dialogue today; denounces violence in the name of protests

KATHMANDU, Sept 10: The Gen Z movement, which has been leading protests against corruption and restrictions on social media, announced that the group is set to enter dialogue with the concerned authorities starting Wednesday.

In a statement issued this evening, the movement emphasized that any attempts at looting or destruction of public property under the guise of their protests would not be tolerated.

“We are now closer than ever to realizing our goal of building a new Nepal,” the statement read. “However, reports indicate that some elements are attempting to loot, damage public property, and undermine our movement in its name. Such acts are entirely unacceptable.”

Gen Z Movement Coordinator Purushottam Yadav reaffirmed that the campaign remains firmly committed to peaceful, disciplined, and constructive demonstrations. He urged Gen Z members and nationalist supporters to remain vigilant and avoid being associated with any violence.

Yadav also appealed to participants to raise awareness in their communities, ensuring that the movement’s objectives are pursued without harm to public property or disruption to civic life. The statement further noted that many participants in today’s demonstrations have already returned home, reflecting the movement’s commitment to orderly conduct.

Earlier this evening, the Nepal Army had called on protest groups to come forward for talks, an appeal that prompted Gen Z’s response.