Nepal Gen Z protest: Restrictive orders announced amid rising tensions

The Nepal Army on Wednesday imposed nationwide restrictive orders followed by a curfew to quell possible violence under the guise of protest a day after deadly antigovernment demonstrations forced Prime Minister K P Sharma Olis resignation leaving key buildings in flames and the nation on edge reported news agency PTINepals capital Kathmandu and other major cities wore a deserted look as army troops fanned out across the countryThe restrictive orders are in effect throughout the country from morning to 5 pm and then a curfew will be in place until 6 am on Thursday the army said in a statementThe measures were necessitated to curb possible incidents of looting arson and other destructive activities under the guise of agitation it said reported PTIThe army which took control of nationwide security operations at 10 pm on Tuesday warned that any form of demonstrations vandalism arson or attacks on individuals and property during the restrictive period would be treated as criminal acts and dealt with accordinglyThere are also possible threats of rape and violent attacks against individuals the statement said reported PTIKeeping in view the security situation of the country restrictive orders and a curfew have been enforced it said reported PTIThe statement clarified that vehicles and personnel engaged in essential services including ambulances fire engines health workers and security forces would be permitted to operate during the restrictive orders and curfewIn another statement the army expressed concern over the actions of certain groups which are taking undue advantage of the difficult situation and causing severe damage to ordinary citizens and public property reported PTIWe have deployed our troops to prevent any untoward incidents including looting and vandalismiquest said an officer from the Nepal Army headquartersAuthorities have also issued orders for residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary in a bid to prevent further unrest he saidSince early morning the normally bustling streets of Kathmandu wore a deserted look Only a few residents ventured out primarily to stock up on daily essentialsRoads were heavily patrolled by security personnel and fire trucks were deployed to douse blazes in government and private buildings torched by agitators on TuesdayThe army also urged people to return guns weapons and bullets looted or found during the studentled agitation to the nearest police post or security personnelAs there are chances of such weapons being misused please inform the authorities and return them to the security agencies at the earliest the military said in another statement reported PTIIt warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found possessing such arms or ammunition without returning themThe army also appealed to citizens not to wear army uniforms in this sensitive period as it is illegal to do so reported PTIMeanwhile security personnel arrested 27 people involved in looting arson and vandalism from different parts of Kathmandu officials said reported PTIDuring the operations Rs 337 lakh in cash along with 31 weapons magazines and bullets were recovered from individuals in Chabahil Bauddha and Gaushala areas of KathmanduThe army appealed to the public to cooperate with security agencies in restoring peace and maintaining law and orderPrime Minister Oli quit on Tuesday shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office demanding his resignation for the death of at least 19 people in police action during Mondays protests over corruption and a social media ban The ban on social media was lifted Monday nightHowever the demonstrations continued even after his resignationProtesters set fire to the Parliament the Presidents Office the PMs residence government buildings political parties offices and homes of senior leadersWith inputs from PTI