KATHMANDU: Nepal’s political crisis deepened September 9 as the military was deployed to take control of key government and public sites, including Tribhuvan International Airport and the Pashupatinath Temple, following the resignations of both President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The resignations came amid violent, youth-led “Gen Z” protests that have engulfed the nation, initially sparked by a government social media ban and escalating into broader anti-corruption demonstrations.
Gen Z Protestors wanted to go after corrupt politicians and they succeeded in that.
What's the point of going after Pashupatinath Temple and Indians living in Nepal???
Now Nepali Army is in streets to control these protests and protestors. pic.twitter.com/eU4Fz4YAz2
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) September 9, 2025
The Nepal Army stepped in to secure critical infrastructure after protesters attempted to storm the airport and set fires within the Singha Durbar government secretariat. In a particularly tense incident, the army intervened to prevent agitators from vandalizing the gate of the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. The military’s presence marked a significant escalation in the state’s response to the unrest.
Chief of the Nepali Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, urged Gen Z protestors to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue as Army troops are deployed to maintain order.
VIDEO | "Unfortunate incident, it is our responsibility to restore peace and harmony in the country," says Nepal Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel.
The Nepal Army on Tuesday said that it will take charge of security operations from 10 pm, hours after Prime Minister K… pic.twitter.com/P9vGt5umXT
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 9, 2025
In a recorded video statement released late on Tuesday, the Army chief said, “During the protest, extensive damage has been incurred. To prevent further loss of properties and to maintain peace, security, and harmony, national unity and harmony are our common duty.”
General Sigdel, in his addresses, started by expressing deep sorrow over damage to public property during the nationwide protests and extended condolences to families of those who lost their lives, while wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
“Easing the incumbent uncomfortable situation, the national heritages, public as well as private properties, common citizens, diplomatic missions and give the sense of security to the public and protect paramount interest is our common duty. Thus, in order to take the country out of this odd situation through peaceful measures, I would request the protesting group to cancel the plans of protest and call for the talks,” said Sigdel.
Ending his address, Sigdel called on all citizens to uphold patriotism, social harmony, and unity in moving forward together.
Minutes after releasing the statement of the Chief of the Army Staff, the defence security body of the Himalayan Nation said that it “would deploy troops alongside other security agencies from 10 PM (Local Time) if looting, arson and vandalism continued, as unrest over the Gen-Z protests spiralled further out of control.”
“Taking unfair advantage of the current adverse situation, some groups are causing extensive damage to civilians and public property, looting and arson. The Nepal Army once again urges not to engage in such activities. If such activities are not stopped, we hereby inform you that the Nepal Army and all security agencies, in their main responsibility, will remain firm from 10 pm on Bhadra 24, 2082, to control the situation for the security of Nepal and Nepalis. We also sincerely appeal to the entire nation for cooperation. Thereafter, the security situation will be reassessed and further information will be issued,” Nepal Army said.
The statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations of the Nepali Army states that some groups are exploiting the crisis to cause severe damage to civilians and public property. It called on citizens to exercise restraint and assist in preventing further destruction.
“If such activities do not stop, the Army, together with other security forces, will be mobilised to bring the situation under control,” the statement read, adding that the overall security situation would then be reassessed.
The warning comes as state institutions, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and the Parliament building, remain on fire after being stormed by protesters earlier in the day.
Attacks on political leaders, police and public infrastructure have pushed the country into a state of emergency-level turmoil.
The unrest is part of the ongoing Gen Z-led movement against corruption, government restrictions, and the deadly crackdown a day earlier that left 19 people dead, and around 500 were injured during clashes around the Federal Parliament and other sites in Kathmandu, The Himalayan Times reported.
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