By Ndu Okoye
Authorities in Nepal have lifted a nationwide curfew after five tense
days of violent protests, allowing life in the capital and other major cities
to gradually return to normal.
The curfew had been imposed amid mass demonstrations led largely by young
people angered over corruption, economic hardship, and restrictions on social
media. Clashes between protesters and security forces left at least 51 people
dead and scores injured, making it one of the country’s deadliest bouts of
unrest in recent years.
Shops, markets, and businesses reopened on Saturday as residents
cautiously stepped back into their daily routines. Roads that had remained
eerily deserted during the curfew were once again busy with traffic, while
street vendors and daily wage earners returned to work after days without
income. Cleanup operations are also underway in areas where government buildings
and public property were damaged.
The lifting of restrictions follows the swearing-in of former Chief
Justice Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, the first woman
to hold the post. Her appointment is seen as an effort to stabilise the political
climate and restore public trust after weeks of turmoil. The interim government
has already dissolved the legislature and announced fresh national elections
for March 5, 2026.
Security forces, whose heavy presence enforced the curfew, are now
scaling back, though officials have urged calm and warned against further
unrest. While the easing of restrictions has brought relief, many citizens
remain wary. Traders and business owners say the economic impact of the
shutdown will take time to overcome, particularly with major festivals
approaching.
The return to normalcy marks an important step for Nepal, but the
challenges ahead underline the fragile balance between public demands and
political reform.
Post a Comment