Nepal's Military Promises To Enforce Democracy, Susila Kharki Is Expected To Be A Temporary Leader

JAKARTA - Nepal's military affirms its commitment to democratic values and norms, while negotiations to form a government are still ongoing.

This was conveyed by military spokesman Brigadier General Raja Ram after a large wave of protests driven by the younger generation or "Gen Z" succeeded in overthrowing the elected government of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Protests broke out after the Oli government banned the use of social media platforms last week. The government demanded that the multinational service providers open an office in Nepal, a land-locked country.

Within 24 hours of Monday, when protests hit the capital Kathmandu, Oli resigned on Tuesday. On the same day, Army Commander General Ashok Raj Sigdel delivered a public speech, calling for calm and dialogue as a way out of violence.

Nepal's troops, security agencies, and civil bureaucracy in separate statements also called for a peaceful settlement of the crisis. The call was made when demonstrators stormed parliament, the presidential office, and the Supreme Court, as well as attacked the offices and residences of politicians.

On Tuesday evening, the military was deployed across the country. The government imposed a ban on gatherings and curfews, while troops made arrests and confiscated weapons.

It was reported that 31 people had died since the start of the protests, including two victims of army fire on Thursday. Hundreds of other people were injured as troops thwarted an attempted prison break-in. About 15,000 inmates were reportedly managed to escape.

Reported by ANTARA, Ram told Anadolu by telephone that the main focus of the security forces is to maintain order and security.

"The goal is to facilitate the daily lives of our people and protect infrastructure, including government buildings," he said.

He emphasized that the security agency is only tasked with supporting efforts to maintain stability.

Responding to the demands of the protesters led by the younger generation to form a temporary government, Ram stated that interactions with various levels of society were still ongoing and would soon be resolved.

Most of the victims of the latest violence in Nepal are young people. Before resigning, the Oli government had lifted the ban on the use of social media.

Thousands of residents then held an online discussion on Wednesday to discuss potential interim leaders.

Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sushila Karki is one of the figures who is said to be leading the formation of a temporary government.

"We see Sushila Karki as it is honest, without fear, and steadfast," said Sujit Kumar Jha as quoted by Reuters, Thursday, September 11.

"He's the right choice. When the truth speaks, it sounds like Karki," he continued.

Karki, 73, has given his approval, but efforts are underway to find a constitutional path to appoint him, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

However, there are some disagreements regarding his candidacy among protesters, who are trying to reach unanimous decisions, other sources said.