KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President Paudel urges calm, assures efforts to address citizens’ demands
President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on the public to remain calm and support efforts to maintain peace and order in the country amid ongoing unrest. In a statement issued on Thursday, the president urged citizens to trust that work is underway to find solutions to the grievances raised by protesters. He said discussions are ongoing on how to safeguard democracy and restore stability within the framework of the constitution.
Gen-Z protests inflict over Rs 200 billion in damage to public infrastructure
The two-day Gen-Z protests earlier this week have left behind devastation across Nepal, with government officials estimating that public infrastructure worth more than Rs 200 billion has been destroyed. Alongside the loss of buildings, invaluable historical documents and records have also been reduced to ashes.
Gen-Z protesters clash with each other outside Army Headquarters
Tensions flared outside the Nepali Army headquarters in Bhadrakali on Thursday after rival groups of Gen-Z demonstrators clashed over who should lead the interim government. The confrontation broke out on the main road in front of the headquarters, where one group of youths gathered to oppose the proposal of appointing former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister.
Curfew in Kathmandu Valley partially eased, morning and evening movement allowed
The Nepalese Army has partially relaxed the ongoing curfew and restrictions in Kathmandu Valley. According to district security committees of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, limited movement will be allowed on September 12. Residents can move freely from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The rest of the day, restrictions will remain in place, with the full curfew resuming from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day.
Life gradually returning to normal in Kathmandu Valley
Life in Kathmandu Valley, and across the country, is gradually returning to normal. With the Nepali Army (NA) taking the lead in maintaining security in coordination with other security agencies, stability is being restored in affected areas.
RSP denies plans to join interim gov
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has clarified that it has made no decision to participate in an interim government, despite growing political discussions about a transitional arrangement following nationwide Gen-Z protests. Speaking to Khabarhub, acting party chairperson D.P. Aryal said the party’s central committee meeting was currently underway, but that joining an interim government was not on the agenda.
17, including Sanjay Takla, arrested after escaping Nakkhu jail
Police and Army personnel have arrested 17 escapees from Lalitpur’s Nakkhu Jail, including notorious criminal and former state minister Sanjay Takla. They were captured Thursday in Mangalatar, Lalitpur. Authorities also confirmed the arrest of four inmates who had escaped from the Central Jail in Sundhara, and three juveniles who fled from the Doti-based Dipayal Silgadhi Juvenile Reform Home.
Youth Wings of four major parties call for safeguarding democratic gains in political transition
Youth organizations affiliated with four major political parties have stressed that Nepal’s future political course must be determined by safeguarding past struggles and progressive changes, and remain firmly within democratic norms. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the youth wings of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), and Rastriya Janamorcha said the next political transition should be anchored in the values of democracy and constitutionalism.
Resham Chaudhary calls for prime minister from Gen-Z movement
Resham Chaudhary, patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, has demanded that leadership of the new government be handed to the Gen-Z movement. In a Facebook post, Chaudhary argued that a prime minister should emerge directly from Gen-Z to safeguard the constitution and carry forward the achievements of recent struggles. “You are capable of running the country. Take the leadership yourselves and protect the achievements made so far,” he wrote.
Bidya Devi Bhandari calls for constitutional path to resolve crisis
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed sorrow over the heavy loss of life and property during the recent Gen-Z–led protests, while stressing that Nepal’s political way forward must remain within the framework of the constitution. In a statement issued Thursday, Bhandari said the nation had been left shaken by the killing of youths in police firing on Monday, followed by widespread violence, arson, looting, vandalism, and clashes across the country. According to the Ministry of Health, 34 people have so far been killed and thousands injured.
Student leaders call for national dialogue and consensus to move country forward
Former leaders of various student organizations affiliated with political parties have concluded that only broad political dialogue and consensus can guide Nepal in a progressive direction. Issuing a joint statement on Thursday, they said addressing the demands of protesting youth and citizens, as well as making constitutional amendments in line with public aspirations, is possible only through dialogue and agreement among all forces.
Singha Durbar ministries in ruins
On the fourth day of the Gen-Z movement, several ministries inside Singha Durbar, the country’s main administrative complex, remain in critical condition. Most of the ministries have been burned, along with vehicles parked within the compound. Ministries led by the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have suffered the heaviest damage, according to initial reports.
Writers and analysts urge President Paudel to lead crisis resolution
Nepali writers and political analysts have called on President Ram Chandra Paudel to take initiative in steering the country out of its current political crisis and state of vacuum. In a joint appeal issued on Thursday, 20 writers and analysts stressed the need for presidential leadership after CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli resigned as prime minister and no successor has yet been appointed.
Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang criticizes Balen Shah for staying silent during crisis
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Harka Raj Rai Sampang has lashed out at Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, accusing him of hiding during the national crisis and failing to take to the streets. Sampang, who arrived in Kathmandu as the Nepal Army initiated consultations for an interim government following the Gen-Z protests, said he was ready to lead the country himself. However, observers say the Army is unlikely to endorse him. On Wednesday, he met Chief of Army Staff Ashokraj Sigdel at the Army headquarters.
Gen-Z protests: Death toll rises to 34, over 1,300 injured
At least 34 people have lost their lives during the Gen-Z–led protests on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. The ministry said that 1,338 people are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals across the country, while 949 others have already been discharged.
Tribhuvan University suspends classes until Chhath festival
Tribhuvan University has announced the suspension of all academic activities until October 28 (Kartik 11), citing the country’s ongoing unrest. According to the notice issued by the Office of the Registrar, the extended closure will be adjusted by reducing the upcoming winter vacation.
Prachanda appeals for calm, says constitution must guide crisis resolution
Chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has appealed to Nepal’s Gen-Z youth to seek a peaceful and democratic resolution to the ongoing political crisis, following the collapse of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government after two days of mass protests. In a lengthy public statement on Wednesday, Prachanda extended condolences to the young demonstrators killed during the protests and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
NRB directs BFIs to keep essential banking and digital payment services running
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has instructed banks and financial institutions to continue operating their critical systems to ensure uninterrupted banking and digital payment services, even under the current restrictions. In a notice issued on Thursday morning, the central bank directed licensed commercial banks, development banks, finance companies, and institutions involved in payment systems to mobilize limited staff to operate essential services.
Fire at Department of Roads still raging
A fire set by Gen-Z protesters at the Department of Roads, along with other government offices, remains uncontrolled, officials said on Wednesday. Deputy Director Prabhat Kumar Jha explained that the blaze, which started on Tuesday, could not be contained earlier due to the absence of fire brigade support.
Sushila Karki and Durga Prasai arrive at Army Headquarters
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki and controversial royalist Durga Prasai were escorted to the Army Headquarters under heavy security on Thursday, drawing large crowds of Gen-Z protesters and media personnel outside the gates. Earlier in the day, a five-hour virtual meeting of Gen-Z participants reportedly decided to nominate Karki as the interim government’s Prime Minister. However, supporters of Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang also gathered outside the base, chanting slogans in favor of their preferred candidates.
CK Raut floats 7-point proposal, urges against House dissolution
Janamat Party Chair Dr. CK Raut has put forward a seven-point proposal aimed at resolving the current political crisis. In a statement issued Thursday morning, Raut strongly urged members of the Gen-Z not to dissolve the existing parliament, warning of long-term instability and potential harm to the nation’s democratic foundation.
Gagan Thapa advocates for govt that reflects Gen Z’s voice
As the Nepali Army’s role in facilitating the formation of a new government gains traction, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa emphasized the importance of establishing leadership that aligns with the aspirations of the Gen Z generation. In a 15-minute video message shared on Facebook Thursday, Thapa highlighted that since Gen Z has been the key force behind recent political developments, the new government should be shaped to meet their expectations.
Gen-Z protesters block Indian media from broadcasting outside Army Headquarters
Gen-Z protesters outside the Army Headquarters have prevented Indian media from broadcasting live, citing concerns over biased reporting. The protesters stopped journalists from collecting news material and removed them from the area in front of the base. Some of the activists accused the media of being pro-establishment, and in response, blocked them from reporting. Following the incident, the Nepali Army also instructed the journalists to leave the site to prevent further tension.
UML issues strong statement on Gen-Z protest, seeks justice and constitutional path forward
UML has formally expressed deep concern over the recent destructive Gen-Z protests that shook the country on Monday and Tuesday. In a statement issued Thursday by General Secretary Shankar Pokharel on behalf of the party’s central secretariat, the party demanded the identification of those responsible and called for strict legal action.
Mahabir Pun offers to lead interim govt
Mahabir Pun, head of the National Innovation Center, has expressed his willingness to lead an interim government if called upon. Speaking during a visit to Fidim in Panchthar, Pun stated that he is prepared to assume leadership and guide the government through constitutional amendments.
Tourists can renew expired visas free of charge at TIA
Tourists whose visas expired on or after September 8 can now renew them free of charge at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the Nepal Tourism Board announced. The updated arrangement allows visitors to renew their visas upon departure, ensuring a smooth return to their home countries.
Comment