Nepal PM Seeks Calm Amid Protests, Vows to Address Corruption

In the wake of violent protests against corruption that have led to significant loss of life in Nepal, the newly appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called for unity and calm among the citizens. Her remarks come as the country grapples with the aftermath of unrest that has claimed at least 72 lives and left hundreds injured.

Context of the Protests

The protests erupted following a controversial social media ban, which many viewed as an attempt to stifle dissent. Tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets, expressing their outrage over pervasive corruption and the dire economic conditions affecting the nation. The demonstrations escalated dramatically, with protesters clashing with police, leading to violent confrontations that resulted in fatalities and destruction of property, including the burning of the president’s office and homes belonging to prominent politicians.

Prime Minister Karki’s Response

In her first public address since assuming office, Karki emphasized the need for the country to unite and work towards rebuilding. She stated, “We must listen to our young citizens,” highlighting the role of the younger generation in the protests. The 73-year-old former chief justice was appointed as interim prime minister after extensive negotiations involving protest leaders, President Ramchandra Paudel, and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel.

Karki also affirmed her commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters, which include the end of corruption, good governance, and economic equality. She assured the families of those who lost their lives during the protests that they would receive compensation, with each family set to receive approximately 1 million rupees (around $11,330).

The Human Cost of Unrest

The toll of the protests has been devastating. Health Ministry spokesperson Prakash Budathoki reported that bodies of individuals who perished in the violence are still being discovered in various locations, including shopping malls and residential buildings that were set ablaze. Authorities are working to recover these bodies and return them to their grieving families.

Karuna Budhathoki, who was at Kathmandu’s Teaching Hospital to collect her 23-year-old nephew’s body, recounted the tragic moment of learning about his death. “While his friends backed off [from the protests], he decided to go ahead,” she said, underscoring the personal stories of loss that have emerged from the chaos.

A Call for Accountability

Amnesty International has characterized the situation in Nepal as a pivotal moment for human rights in the country. Isabelle Lassee, a representative from the organization, remarked that Nepal is at a critical juncture where the progress made in securing human rights could either advance or regress.

In light of the unrest, Karki has pledged to ensure that her administration will not remain in power for more than six months and will facilitate a transition to a new parliament and government. This statement reflects a broader commitment to restoring democratic governance in the wake of the protests.

The Role of Activists

Activists, such as Sudan Gurung, the founder of the NGO Hami Nepal (We Are Nepal), have played a significant role in the anti-corruption movement. Gurung and his team were reportedly involved in discussions regarding key government appointments, indicating a potential shift towards greater civic involvement in governance.

The recent political developments have also seen the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, further reshaping the political landscape as the country prepares for elections scheduled for March 5.

Looking Ahead

As Nepal navigates this period of turmoil, the interim government faces the challenge of addressing the deep-seated issues of corruption and governance that have fueled public discontent. Karki’s administration must work swiftly to restore public trust and implement meaningful reforms that address the demands of the citizenry.

The path forward will require not only political will but also the engagement of the young population that has taken a stand against corruption. The government’s response to the ongoing crisis will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers, as the world watches how Nepal manages this critical juncture in its history.

Key Facts

– **Current Death Toll:** At least 72 people have died due to protests against corruption.
– **Interim Prime Minister:** Sushila Karki was appointed after negotiations among protest leaders, the president, and military officials.
– **Compensation:** Families of those killed in the protests will receive approximately 1 million rupees ($11,330).
– **Upcoming Elections:** Elections are scheduled for March 5, following the dissolution of parliament.
– **Public Sentiment:** The protests were driven by demands for an end to corruption, good governance, and economic equality.

Source: www.aljazeera.com