UPDATES WITH ADDITIONAL DETAILS; REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE; ADDS 3RD DECK
By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) - Nepal on Tuesday imposed fresh curfew orders in more regions as protests against the ban on social media and alleged corruption continue, the Kathmandu Post reported.
In the face of persisting protests, Nepalese Prime Minister Sharma Oli called an all-party meeting for 6 pm (1215GMT) on Tuesday, saying that dialogue is the only way to resolve the crisis.
“I am saddened by Monday’s protests in the capital and across the country and the subsequent incidents,” he said. “No form of violence serves the nation’s interest, and we must pursue a peaceful and dialogue-based solution.”
On Tuesday, the protestors escalated their actions by setting fire to the central office of the ruling Nepali Congress party in Sanepa. They also targeted the homes of political leaders and the offices of major parties with stones and arson.
People were able to access their social media accounts again at midnight on Monday and Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, young people started to assemble spontaneously near the parliament building in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu. They did not bring any banners.
“Yesterday’s incident exposed the government’s failure. I came here to stand with the youths,” one of the participants was quoted as saying.
Due to security concerns, authorities have imposed a curfew in the Ring Road area of Kathmandu starting at 8.30 am (0245GMT) until further notice. Curfew orders have also been implemented in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur after Monday’s violent clashes.
In the wake of protests, Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ramnath Adhikari resigned on Tuesday, criticizing the government's authoritarian response to protesters.
In his resignation letter, Adhikari, condemned the violent suppression of peaceful protests, which he said shifted the country toward authoritarianism instead of democracy.
On Monday, Nepal deployed military after clashes between protesters and police over a social media ban and alleged corruption left 19 people dead.
At least 347 people were also injured, with hospitals being overcrowded, and dozens remain in critical condition. Officials were yet to issue a statement on casualties.
Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned the same day, taking responsibility for the crackdown on demonstrations.