Nepal Army appeals to mob to stop protests and join dialogues: 'Some groups taking undue advantage of difficult situation'

General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the chief of the Army Staff, issued a statement amid the curfew imposed in the backdrop of the violence, arson and looting.

General Sigdel said as quoted by NDTV, "We appeal to the protesting group to halt protest programmes and come forward for dialogue for a peaceful way out for the nation. We need to normalise the present difficult situation and protect our historical and national heritage and public as well as private property, and to ensure safety to the general public and diplomatic missions."

"Since the beginning of Nepal's history, the Nepal Army has always remained committed - even in difficult circumstances - to safeguarding Nepal's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, national unity and the security of the Nepali people," he added in a televised address last night.

"Some groups are taking undue advantage of the difficult situation and causing severe damage to ordinary citizens and public property," the Army said in a statement.

Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday after two days of violent anti-corruption protests led by Gen Z demonstrators left 19 people dead and over 400 injured.

The announcement came after protesters vandalised several vital offices including the Parliament building, residences of leaders and protests spread across other cities, continuing demonstrations that began after Monday’s crackdown on the Gen Z protests, according to The Kathmandu Post.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters roaming inside the President’s residence, smashing property, and chanting slogans. Police tried to push back crowds but appeared to be avoiding heavy force after Monday’s casualties triggered nationwide outrage.

A curfew has been imposed in parts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts. The Kathmandu District Administration Office announced restrictions inside the Ring Road from 8:30 am until further notice, covering major intersections including Koteshwar, Chabahil, Narayan Gopal Chowk, Balaju and Kalanki. Authorities in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur issued similar prohibitory orders, banning gatherings, rallies, and processions under Section 6(3) of the Local Administration Act, 1971.

Despite restrictions, protesters defied curfew orders on Tuesday, gathering near the Federal Parliament building in New Baneshwar. “Yesterday’s incident exposed the government’s failure. I came here to stand with the youths,” one participant told local media.

Former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal's wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar died of her injuries after she was burnt alive at her house which was set on fire as the Gen-Z protests that turned violent on Tuesday.

The incident took place at Khanal's house in the Dallu area of Kathmandu, the capital city.

Chitrakar was rushed to the Kirtipur Burn Hospital where he died while being treated, family sources said as reported by NDTV.