Nepal crisis top developments: Curfew extended, 30 dead, over 7,500 prisoners escape

Nepal news

The Nepalese Army has extended curfew and prohibitory orders in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur until 6 am, September 12, as the country grapples with widespread political unrest and violent protests.

Meanwhile, Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as Nepal’s interim leader following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid nationwide protests. Karki, Nepal’s first woman chief justice, is expected to steer the country through the ongoing crisis until fresh elections are held.

The demonstrations, led primarily by young people dubbed the “Gen Z” protesters, erupted over government corruption, economic stagnation, and a social media ban that sparked nationwide outrage.

Army officials said that essential services will continue to operate, and shops selling daily necessities will open from 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm to ease difficulties for residents. Meanwhile, the Nepalese Army is holding talks with protest leaders to discuss the appointment of a new interim prime minister.

Let's take a closer look at key developments:

• The protests, which escalated on September 8, have killed 30 people and injured more than 1,033, according to Nepal’s health ministry.
• Soldiers continue to patrol major streets in Kathmandu Valley as curfews remain in place.
• Over 7,500 prisoners attempted to escape from more than 10 jails across the country amid the unrest.
• Nepal Army troops opened fire on Thursday morning to stop a mass breakout from Ramechhap District Prison, the Kathmandu Post reported. More than a dozen inmates were injured, authorities said. The prison, in ward 8 of Ramechhap Municipality, holds more than 300 inmates.
• In Birgunj, police and army used aerial firing and tear gas to contain attempted jailbreaks; in Ramechhap, troops foiled a breakout and opened fire
• Talks between the Nepalese Army and “Gen Z” protesters are ongoing to restore stability and appoint a new interim leader.
• International flights at Kathmandu airport continue to operate despite the security situation.
• Volunteers clear debris from Nepal’s torched Transport Department office as soldiers patrol Kathmandu after parliament was set ablaze and the PM forced to resign.
• After a jailbreak in Nepal’s Jaleshwar, at least 21 people were detained in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district while attempting to cross into India. Authorities said the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police have intensified checks on buses and vehicles, and all police stations have been put on alert to prevent further infiltration.

The unrest has plunged Nepal into a political void after the government’s heavy-handed response to the protests, forcing authorities to take control and impose restrictions on daily life.