Western media reported on Friday morning that the number of protests and demonstrations that have swept Nepal for several days has risen to 51 dead, including at least 21 protesters and three police officers. This comes as talks continue between the president, representatives of the protests, potential key figures who might lead an interim administration, and the army, which has imposed a curfew and taken control.
The Nepalese army also announced today that it has recovered more than 100 rifles looted during the uprising, during which protesters were seen brandishing automatic guns, and that more than 12,500 prisoners escaped from various prisons across the country amidst the chaos.
On Wednesday, the Army’s Public Relations and Media Department released a statement saying that “the Nepalese army, which took control of national security, announced a nationwide curfew until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, with an extension later until 6 a.m. Thursday.”
The protests erupted on Monday morning, with thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets of the capital Kathmandu and other cities to demand the restoration of social networks and denounce the scourge of corruption, which they say undermines the country. Another video showed Nepalese government employees fleeing the capital Kathmandu by clinging to a helicopter, while protests continue to sweep the country.
On Tuesday, local media reported that Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel was evacuated by helicopter to Shivapuri, where a military training center is located, to ensure his safety after protesters stormed his residence. Sharma Oli resigned from his position amid escalating unrest in the country and the deployment of the army, after protesters set fire to the central office of the ruling Nepalese Congress Party.
