Kathmandu has been plunged into a state of severe unrest as massive anti-government protests turned violent, culminating in the parliament building being set on fire and the Nepali army being deployed onto the streets.
The capital city is a scene of chaos, with thousands of demonstrators clashing with police in a dramatic escalation of long-simmering political tensions. The government's response has been swift and severe, authorising military action to quell what it deems a threat to national security.
A Capital Under Siege
Protesters, demonstrating against a variety of grievances including perceived government corruption and failure, managed to breach security cordons. The most symbolic and damaging act was the arson attack on the federal parliament building, Singha Durbar, a powerful image of the public's fury.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating situation, the Home Ministry issued a statement confirming the army's mobilisation. A government spokesperson stated the move was a "necessary measure to prevent further violence and protect vital infrastructure."
Internet Blackouts and Communication Silenced
Adding to the atmosphere of crisis, internet services in the capital were severely disrupted, with watchdogs suspecting a government-ordered shutdown to stifle communication and organisation among protesters. This tactic, common in times of upheaval, effectively cuts off Kathmandu from the outside world and limits the flow of real-time information.
Eyewitness accounts describe a city filled with smoke, the sound of explosions, and frantic crowds. The full scale of casualties and arrests remains unclear as authorities work to regain control.
A Deep-Seated Political Crisis
These explosive events are not isolated. They represent the boiling over of a prolonged political crisis in Nepal, which has struggled with instability and fragile coalition governments. The protesters' core demands often centre on greater accountability and systemic change, highlighting a deep disconnect between the political elite and the citizens they serve.
As night falls in Kathmandu, the situation remains highly volatile. The world watches to see if the government's use of military force will quell the anger or simply add fuel to a fire that has already consumed part of the nation's democratic heart.
