Nepal’s protesters propose ex-chief justice as interim leader
The youth leaders of Nepal’s protest movement have proposed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to serve as the country’s interim prime minister, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing the secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
The decision followed a nearly four-hour virtual meeting in which between 300 and 400 participants of the protest movement took part, according to local media.
Karki, 73, is the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal and the only woman to have held the post.
Speaking to India-based CNN News18, Karki said the immediate focus of the interim government would be to honor those who died in the protests and address the protesters’ demands, including tackling corruption.
The development comes a day after KP Sharma Oli resigned as prime minister on Tuesday amidst violent protests across the Himalayan nation. During the two-day demonstrations, hundreds of protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s Office, set fire to the Supreme Court and Parliament buildings, and vandalized the homes of several senior leaders.
The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal on Wednesday stated that the death toll has risen to 30. According to the ministry, 1,033 people were injured during the nationwide protests.
Authorities in Kathmandu said anarchists and criminal elements had infiltrated the protests, engaging in arson, looting, property destruction, targeted violence, and attempted sexual assault. “Any criminal activities carried out under the guise of protest will be prosecuted, and security forces will take strong action against offenders,” the Nepalese Army said in a statement.
Meanwhile, young volunteers took to the streets on Wednesday morning for a cleanup campaign – hours before the army’s curfew announcement, local media reported. The cleanups are being organized and promoted via online platforms.
During the curfew, only essential vehicles – such as ambulances, hearses, fire engines, and those used by health workers and security personnel – will be permitted. The army urged citizens needing assistance to coordinate with local security officials.
Nepal’s international airport officially reopened on Wednesday morning after being closed for two days, according to a notice from the civil aviation authority.
