Nepal's Major Parties Demand Parliament Reinstatement Amid Deadly Protests and Corruption Fears

Nepal's Major Parties Demand Parliament Reinstatement Amid Protests Eight major Nepali parties have called on President Ram Chandra Poudel to reinstate the dissolved parliament, citing unconstitutional actions. The demand comes after a week of deadly anti-corruption protests that left over 50 people dead in clashes with riot police. The parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoist Centre, issued a joint statement on Tuesday, accusing Poudel of acting unconstitutionally by dissolving the House of Representatives. The parliament was dissolved on Friday at the recommendation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who was appointed after a deal with protest leaders. The protests began last week in response to a ban on social media platforms, which was lifted on Monday. However, the demonstrations had already swelled into a mass movement, forcing then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday. Angry crowds set fire to parliament and government buildings in Kathmandu, leading to widespread destruction. The protests were sparked by a long-standing demand for anti-corruption reforms and greater transparency in governance. The parties' statement emphasizes the need for constitutional order and stability in the country. In the wake of the protests, the Nepali government has been criticized for its handling of the situation. Human rights groups have expressed concern over the use of force against protesters, while opposition leaders have accused the government of failing to address the underlying issues driving the unrest. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how President Poudel will respond to the parties' demand for parliament reinstatement. The country's future hangs in the balance as the major parties push for a return to constitutional order and stability. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*