Nepal has once again found itself at the center of political turbulence. The week witnessed some of the bloodiest street protests in recent years, spearheaded by the so-called “Gen Z movement.” Sparked by the government’s controversial ban on social media platforms, young demonstrators poured into the streets demanding accountability, an end to entrenched corruption, and sweeping reforms. Their anger was also fueled by resentment over the opulent lifestyles of political elites’ children, dismissively branded “Nepo Babies” online.
The protests quickly spiraled out of control. Two days of violent clashes left 51 people dead and more than 1,300 injured. Roads were blocked, businesses shuttered, and Kathmandu became a city under siege. Families grieved loved ones who never returned home from the demonstrations. The death of youth like 23-year-old protester Ashab Alam Thakurai, newly married just a month earlier, became haunting symbols of a generation’s sacrifice.
The mounting unrest culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, whose government had lost public trust. With his departure, Nepal’s political stage demanded a neutral figure to steer the country toward stability.
The Rise of a Historic Leader
On Friday, Nepal turned a new page when former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country’s interim prime minister. At 73, she became the first woman ever to hold the position in Nepal’s history. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office in a televised ceremony that marked both relief and cautious optimism across the Himalayan nation.
Karki’s appointment was the result of negotiations between the president, the army chief, and protest leaders who saw in her an incorruptible figure. Widely respected for her tenure as chief justice between 2016 and 2017, she earned a reputation for integrity and firm opposition to corruption—qualities that made her the protesters’ preferred choice.
Her mandate is clear but daunting: to restore order, investigate the violence that scarred the nation, and prepare for fresh parliamentary elections by March 2026. She is expected to announce her cabinet within days, signaling the beginning of a delicate balancing act between public expectations and political realities.
Restoring Normalcy Amid Grief
As Karki assumed office, signs of normal life began to re-emerge. Shops reopened, vehicles returned to Kathmandu’s streets, and the heavy military presence was scaled back. Police, once armed with rifles, now patrolled with batons, projecting an image of de-escalation. Yet the wounds remain raw. Families lined up at hospitals to collect the bodies of their loved ones, underscoring the human cost of the upheaval.
For many young protesters, Karki’s appointment brought mixed emotions. “This is just the beginning,” said activist Manjita Manandhar. “We fought for them—for those who died—for a new Nepal. Now, we must remain strong and continue the journey.”
India and Nepal: Ties Tested, Bonds Reaffirmed
The political shift in Kathmandu has not gone unnoticed across the border. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly congratulated Karki, posting on X that India “remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.”
India and Nepal share deep cultural, historical, and economic bonds, but their relationship has often been strained by political developments in Kathmandu. While India has maintained influence in Nepalese politics, this moment is particularly sensitive. A stable Nepal is in both countries’ interest—not only for cross-border trade and labor migration but also for regional security and shared prosperity.
Challenges for the Interim Government
Karki now stands at a critical juncture. Analysts point out that her foremost task will be to ensure justice for those who died in the protests and to bring perpetrators of violence—whether state or civilian—to account. Equally important will be the need to restore confidence in governance by curbing corruption, strengthening policing, and safeguarding law and order.
With Nepal still reeling from years of political instability since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008, Karki’s interim administration carries the weight of a people’s expectations for meaningful reform. Millions of Nepalis working abroad continue to send remittances that sustain the economy, but lack of domestic opportunities fuels disillusionment among the youth—the very force that drove the protests.
A Constructive Path Forward
The appointment of Sushila Karki marks a historic milestone for Nepal. Yet, symbolism alone will not suffice. The interim government must act decisively to heal divisions, honor the sacrifices of the fallen, and chart a credible path to elections. For the younger generation that took to the streets, this is not just a change in leadership—it is a demand for systemic transformation.
If Nepal can harness this moment to address corruption, foster accountability, and build trust between the state and its citizens, the tragedy of the past week could become the foundation for a stronger democracy. As India and the international community watch closely, Nepal stands on the threshold of renewal—its future uncertain, but its resolve unmistakably clear.
(With agency inputs)
