Nepal Army Resumes Talks with Protesters to Decide on Interim Leader
KATHMANDU, NEPAL - The Nepal army has resumed talks with protesters to select an interim leader for the Himalayan nation, following a violent confrontation that led to the removal of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government. According to an army spokesperson, the negotiations aim to find a solution within the constitutional framework.
The protests, which began on Tuesday, were triggered by a social media ban imposed by the authorities. The move sparked widespread outrage among the youth, who have been demanding greater freedoms and representation in the country's politics. The situation escalated into violence on Wednesday, with protesters clashing with security forces, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.
"We are consulting and making every effort to find a way out of the current difficult situation in the country within the constitutional framework," said President Ramchandra Paudel in a statement. "I urge all parties to work together to resolve this crisis."
The protests have been marked by unprecedented levels of violence, with reports of protesters setting fire to government buildings and vehicles. The army has deployed troops across the capital city, Kathmandu, to maintain law and order.
The social media ban was rolled back on Wednesday after a wave of protests swept across the country. However, the move failed to placate the protesters, who are demanding more fundamental changes in the government's policies.
"This is not just about the social media ban; it's about the lack of representation and freedoms for the youth," said protester Ramesh Kumar, 22. "We want a new government that listens to our concerns and addresses our needs."
The crisis has raised questions about the stability of Nepal's democracy and the ability of its institutions to respond to the demands of its citizens.
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was removed from office on Wednesday after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The move marked a significant shift in the country's politics, with several opposition parties coming together to form a coalition government.
The army's decision to resume talks with protesters is seen as an attempt to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. However, the outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, and the situation on the ground continues to be volatile.
As the situation unfolds, President Paudel has urged all parties to work together to resolve the crisis. "We must put aside our differences and work towards finding a solution that benefits everyone," he said.
The fate of Nepal's interim leader hangs in the balance as the army and protesters continue their negotiations. The outcome will have significant implications for the country's politics, economy, and social fabric.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*