Nepal is currently in a state of significant political and social unrest. Protests, initially against social media restrictions and corruption, have turned violent, leading to the Nepali army assuming control of the nation. A key development involves former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is alleged to have fled to Dubai following his resignation. A video from a Nepali air hostess, circulating online, purports to show Oli’s departure from Kathmandu, further intensifying the protesters’ outrage.
Reports suggest Oli may have requested the army’s assistance in leaving the country, with medical treatment in Dubai cited as the reason. Additionally, a Himalaya Airlines jet was reportedly on standby. Protests escalated, with Oli’s residence, the Presidential Palace, and the Supreme Court targeted. The violence has resulted in 22 deaths and over 400 injuries.
The Nepali army issued a warning against attacks on civilians and government property, promising strict measures against those involved in looting, arson, and vandalism. Former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, Jhalanath Khanal, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda also faced attacks. Khanal’s wife tragically died in a fire, and Deuba and Finance Minister Vishnu Paudel were assaulted by protesters.