Twenty-seven people accused of looting, arson and other violent acts during the Gen Z-led protests sweeping Nepal, including the capital, Kathmandu, have been arrested by the Nepalese Army, The Himalayan Times reported on Wednesday.
The arrests took place between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. Wednesday as nationwide forces were deployed to contain the unrest. Security personnel also deployed fire trucks to extinguish blazes set during the violence. In Kathmandu’s Gausala-Chabahil-Bouddha corridor, authorities recovered NRs 3.37 million in stolen cash from suspects.
Security forces also seized a cache of weapons, including 31 firearms with magazines and ammunition — 23 from Kathmandu and eight from Pokhara, according to The Himalayan Times. The Army confirmed that 23 Nepal Police officers and three civilians injured in clashes are receiving treatment in military hospitals.
The Army announced on Wednesday that prohibitory orders and a nationwide curfew will continue in response to escalating violence. The orders will remain in effect until 5 p.m., followed by a curfew across Nepal from 6 a.m. Thursday, Bhadra 26 (11 September). Authorities said further decisions will be based on the evolving security situation.
In its statement, the Army expressed appreciation for public cooperation and conveyed condolences for the loss of life and property during the protests. It warned that “lawless individuals and groups” had infiltrated the movement, committing crimes including arson, looting, violent assaults and attempted rape.
“As various lawless individuals and groups are still infiltrating and committing acts of vandalism and arson, looting, violent attacks on individuals, and attempted rape in the name of the movement… the curfew currently imposed will continue throughout the country until 5 p.m. on Bhadra 25, 2082, and thereafter… until 6 a.m. on Bhadra 26,” the release said.
Violence has spread across Kathmandu and other cities. The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu was left charred after being set on fire. ‘Sital Niwas’, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, was vandalised and torched, while the residence of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal was also attacked. His wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, died from burn injuries sustained in the blaze.
Smoke continued to rise from the headquarters of Kantipur Media Group after protesters torched the outlet on Tuesday. Demonstrators also vandalised the Parliament building and attacked the residences of President Ramchandra Paudel and senior political leaders.
The unrest intensified after Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday under pressure. At least 22 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in clashes since Monday.
Also Read : Nepal Gen Z protesters demand new constitution and reforms
Earlier figures cited at least 19 dead. The protests began on September 8 in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal and Birgunj after the government banned 26 social media platforms, citing tax and cybersecurity concerns.
Demonstrators demand an end to institutional corruption, favouritism and lack of transparency in governance. They also view the social media ban as an attempt to stifle free expression. Following violent clashes, the government lifted the ban late Monday. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and several cabinet colleagues also resigned.
The historic Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most revered religious sites, was closed to visitors on Wednesday as security forces tightened control. The Nepalese Army began large-scale deployments across Kathmandu on Tuesday night to restore order.
India has heightened border security and urged its citizens in Nepal to remain indoors. Flights to and from Kathmandu remain suspended. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, expressing grief over the deaths and calling for peace.
“Many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace, and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace,” Modi wrote on X.
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