NEPAL – At least 51 people have been killed during violent anti-corruption protests in Nepal this week, police said Friday, as the scale of chaos that toppled the government becomes clearer.
Police spokesman Binod Ghimire told AFP that the dead included at least 21 protesters—most of them killed on Monday during a police crackdown on rallies against corruption, poor governance, and a controversial ban on social media. Three police officers were also among those killed.
The unrest reached a peak on Tuesday when protesters set Nepal’s parliament ablaze, forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.
The army has since taken control of the streets, imposed a nationwide curfew, and launched recovery operations.
Military officials said more than 100 guns looted during the uprising had been seized. Protesters were seen wielding automatic rifles during clashes with police.
Adding to the turmoil, more than 13,500 prisoners escaped from jails across the country during the upheaval.
Ghimire said about 12,500 remain at large, with some killed in clashes and others captured as they attempted to cross into India, where border forces have stepped up patrols.
Talks are ongoing between President Ram Chandra Poudel, protest leaders, and political stakeholders over the formation of an interim government.
The military remains a key player in the negotiations, holding firm control over the country’s security.
The protests—sparked by anger at corruption and economic stagnation—have plunged Nepal into its worst political crisis in years, raising fears of deeper instability in the Himalayan nation.
