As the political turmoil in Nepal escalated on Tuesday, predominantly 'Gen Z' protestors broke into Parliament and set fire to one of the buildings on the premises. The protests also lead to the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ramchandra Paudel resignation from office.
They also set on fire the Supreme Court, political party offices, and homes of senior leaders, including those belonging to Oli and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The protests, triggered by government's ban on 26 social media platforms, are also fuelled by allegations of corruption, misuse of power, and the lifestyle of children of wealthy politicians and powerful figures. Oli's government lifted the social media ban after protests intensified on Monday.
The Nepali Army and chiefs of other security agencies have issued a joint appeal, asking protesters to resolve the crisis through dialogue and exercise restrain.
"As the Prime Minister's resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call upon all to restrain and not to allow more loss to life and property in this difficult situation,” they said, PTI reported.
The army leaders and chiefs also called upon all concerned parties to find a peaceful solution to the problem through political dialogue.
"A peaceful resolution through dialogue is the only way to restore order and stability,” the joint statement said.
Those who signed the statement included Nepal Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief Secretary of Nepal Government Ek Narayan Aryal, Home Secretary Gokarna Dawadi, Chief of Armed Police Force (APF) Raju Aryal, Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung and Chief of National Investigation Department Hutraj Thapa, PTI reported.
Kathmandu airport was also closed with immediate effect, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said, stating that the smoke from fires in the nearby areas could risk the safety of aircraft, Reuters reported.
Oli resigned on Tuesday saying, "In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution." Two of his cabinet colleagues had resigned late on Monday.
Before resignation, he had called a meeting of all political parties, saying violence was not in the interest of the nation. "We have to resort to peaceful dialogue to find solutions to any problem," he said.
