KATHMANDU, Sept 10 — The Nepalese Army has imposed "prohibitory orders" as uneasy calm prevailed in the country today, a day after widespread protests that ousted the government of ex-prime minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing a local daily.
"The prohibitory orders will remain in force until 5pm today (1115 GMT), after which a curfew will be imposed across the country from 6am on Thursday (0015 GMT, Wednesday)," said the Nepalese army in a statement, according to The Himalayan Times.
It added: "Further decisions will be taken depending on the evolving security situation."
Soldiers were deployed across the country late last night to maintain law and order, hours after Oli stepped down under pressure from protesters who set major government buildings on fire, including the Parliament, Oli's private residence, and the President's office.
Singha Durbar, home to key ministries, is also badly damaged. The Health and Population Ministry, along with other government offices, including the Supreme Court, have been completely destroyed.
At least 20 protesters, mostly youths, were killed and nearly 350 others injured since Monday (September 8) when protests broke out following a ban on social media by the government.
Soldiers were deployed to maintain law and order as protesters vandalised public properties, as well as freed prisoners.
Addressing the nation last night, Army Chief Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel called on people to maintain calm and hold dialogue to solve the crisis in the Himalayan nation.
Nepal Diplomat editor Jagdishor Panday told Anadolu today that the Army is making public announcements, urging people to maintain calm.
"The security forces are also asking people to return any looted material, including weapons, to the authorities," he said over the phone.
While there is no particular leader of this protest movement, the security forces are nonetheless expected to hold a meeting with some of those leading the demonstrations.
"There is demand for an interim government and people from across the Nepalese society are expected to attend these meetings," said Panday, suggesting Gen. Sigdel could host these deliberations.
Separately, China has expressed hope that all parties in Nepal "can properly address domestic issues and restore social order and national stability as soon as possible."
Earlier today, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two nations "are traditionally friendly neighbours".
