The student-driven ‘Gen Z’ demonstrations in Nepal, which began as an outcry against the government’s ban on social media, have grown into a larger movement against corruption and political indifference. Anger at the K P Sharma Oli government and frustration with the political elite continue to fuel unrest across the country. Here are the latest updates on the situation:

 

1. A coalition of civil society groups has alleged that a plan is being hatched, reportedly involving sections of the military, to bring back the monarchy. These claims come amid talks of forming a transitional government after the collapse of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s administration.

 

 

2. The Brihat Nagarik Andolan (BNA), a platform representing a broad mix of citizens, released a statement on Thursday raising concerns over the Nepal Army’s growing role in national affairs. Their alarm heightened after the army was handed charge of security nationwide starting Tuesday.

 

 

3. The alliance accused the military of overseeing what it described as a “reactionary move” to restore monarchy and roll back secularism, federalism, and inclusivity. The BNA said such efforts dishonor the sacrifice of protesters from the Gen Z movement and stressed that the anti-government campaign was never about reviving monarchy or curbing republican values. Nepal became a republic in 2008, though pro-monarchy voices have resurfaced this year amid economic and political turmoil.

 

 

4. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the death toll from the unrest in the Kathmandu Valley has reached 34. Nationwide, more than 1,368 people have been injured. Of these, 949 have already been treated and discharged, officials confirmed.

 

 

5. The ongoing violence has also affected cross-border transport. A Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus running between Delhi and Kathmandu has been stranded in Nepal due to the turmoil. Authorities in Delhi are in contact with both Indian and Nepali embassies to resolve the situation. The bus service, covering a 1,167 km route with a fare of ₹2,800, usually runs six days a week.

 

 

6. Former Indian diplomat Mahesh Sachdev has called the proposal to appoint Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister a constructive step that could stabilize the country. He noted that Karki’s strong reputation for integrity could help put Nepal back on the path of normalcy.

 

 

7. Sachdev added that bringing in a figure like Karki would not undermine the constitution, but rather allow an interim arrangement until a new framework can be put in place through elections and potential reforms.

 

 

8. Protesters argue that Nepal’s political leadership and institutions, including Parliament, have failed to live up to the constitutional responsibilities given to them. Their lack of responsiveness, they claim, has fueled the crisis.

 

 

9. President Ram Chandra Paudel has accepted the resignation of former Prime Minister Oli. However, he announced that the outgoing cabinet will remain in a caretaker capacity until a new Council of Ministers is finalized.