The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has issued an alert for all U.S. citizens in Nepal, advising them to continue sheltering in place until further notice and adhere to new curfew rules. This warning follows widespread protests against corruption and a brief social media ban, which turned violent.
The Nepali Army has been deployed, and curfews are now in effect across the city. The embassy is urging all U.S. citizens to remain in their current locations and avoid non-essential travel.
The deployment of the Nepali Army and the implementation of curfews come after protests escalated into violence, leading to at least 30 deaths in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The embassy’s alert is a direct response to this deteriorating security situation, aimed at ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens.
For those who must travel, the Nepali Army has released a specific curfew schedule that will be in effect until at least September 12. From 6 AM to 9 AM and again from 6 PM to 7 PM, essential activities and movement are permitted.
However, curfews are strictly enforced during the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM and 7 PM to 6 AM. The embassy has also provided a contact number for the Nepali Army, +977 01597 9224, for American citizens with valid flight tickets who need assistance traveling to the airport during restricted hours.
The embassy is also encouraging citizens to stay in contact with their airlines and await further updates.
On Tuesday, the violence escalated as protesters defied a curfew to set fire to the parliament building, Singha Durbar, and the residences of political leaders. Protesters stormed Singha Durbar, Nepal’s main administrative center for over 115 years, and set it ablaze, along with nearly all the ministries inside. Protesters also targeted the Supreme Court, the Special Court for Anti-Corruption, political party offices, and media houses.
Amid the chaos, the Nepali Army was forced to rescue several high-profile political figures. President Ram Chandra Paudel was evacuated by a Nepali Army helicopter from his official residence, Sheetal Niwas, after protesters entered the premises. KP Sharma Oli was also rescued from the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar by a military helicopter on Tuesday afternoon.
Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, were at their home when protesters broke in, vandalizing and setting the property on fire. They were taken to a hospital for treatment under security surveillance. Additionally, former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Nepal were rescued from the parliament building after protesters began vandalizing and setting fire to the entrance.
Key political leaders, including KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, Prakash Man Singh, and Bishnu Paudel, who were previously at undisclosed locations, are reportedly staying at the Army Staff College in Shivapuri.
Ministers and former ministers from the Oli government are reportedly at various barracks, including the Bhairavnath Battalion in Maharajgunj. Similarly, Maoist senior leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha moved to a secure location after his residence in Hattiban was vandalized.
To restore peace, the Nepali Army has been deployed across Kathmandu and other parts of the country, assuming control of security operations. The situation began to stabilize after the army took control with a curfew in place.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued a statement saying he is working to find a solution for the country while remaining within the constitutional framework. President Paudel stated that he is in discussions to protect democracy and maintain peace and order in the country.
He also said he is trying to address the demands of the Gen-Z population as quickly as possible. “I appeal to all sides to be confident that a solution to the problem is being sought as quickly as possible to address the demands of the protesting citizens, and to help maintain peace and order in the country with restraint,” he said.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
