Kathmandu, September 11, 2025 –
In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal’s Gen-Z youth leaders have pledged to support the Nepal Army in rebuilding the nation after days of violent unrest forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. The young protest leaders clarified that their movement began as a peaceful call for change but was hijacked by political cadres, leading to widespread arson and destruction.
Gen-Z Leaders Clarify Movement Goals
Speaking in Kathmandu on Thursday, Gen-Z leader Anil Baniya said,
“We did this movement after getting fed up with old-aged leaders. We had called for a peaceful protest, but the political cadres caused the arson and vandalised infrastructure. We are not trying to abolish the Constitution, but only want necessary amendments.”
Another youth leader, Diwakar Dangal, stressed that their campaign was against rampant corruption and mismanagement. He admitted that the young generation is not yet ready to take full leadership but aims to dissolve parliament and hold elections within six months.
The leaders confirmed that, through online surveys, they have voted for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister until fresh polls are held.
Nepal Army Extends Restrictions
Amid ongoing uncertainty, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel met with Sushila Karki at Army Headquarters in Kathmandu. Soon after, the Army extended prohibitory orders across three districts of Kathmandu Valley, while allowing limited public movement during specific hours.
Markets, shops, and groceries saw heavy footfall as residents rushed to stock up on essentials once curfew restrictions were eased. Roads in the capital still showed visible signs of violence from earlier clashes.
Prison Unrest Adds to Crisis
In a separate development, at least three inmates were killed in clashes with security forces, while over 15,000 prisoners escaped from more than two dozen jails during the nationwide chaos. On Tuesday, two more people died when security forces opened fire to stop a jailbreak attempt southeast of Kathmandu.
What Lies Ahead
Sushila Karki, supported by student groups, the bar association, and Kathmandu’s mayor, has emerged as the frontrunner to head the interim government. If confirmed, she will oversee Nepal until fresh elections are conducted within six months.
For now, the Army remains deployed across major cities to maintain order, as the nation cautiously returns to normalcy after one of its most turbulent political crises in recent years.
Key Highlights
- Gen-Z leaders say movement was peaceful, blame political cadres for violence
- Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki likely to be interim PM of Nepal
- Nepal Army extends prohibitory orders in Kathmandu Valley districts
- Over 15,000 prisoners escaped amid violent unrest; 3 killed in prison clashes
- Citizens rush to markets for essentials as curfew partially lifted