After nearly a week of unrest that gripped Nepal, killing more than 50 people and leaving hundreds injured, the Himalayan nation is now slowly returning to normalcy. Streets that were deserted just days ago are now coming back to life, as curfews are being lifted and security forces are gradually retreating from public spaces. With the appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister, the country is entering a critical phase of rebuilding trust, restoring law and order, and addressing the deep-rooted corruption that triggered the protests in the first place.
The Immediate Aftermath: Signs of Normalcy
Visuals from Birganj, one of the epicentres of the protests, show a significant improvement in public life. Shops and small businesses, which had remained shut for five days due to fear of vandalism and curfew restrictions, opened their shutters as the government announced a limited relaxation of curfew hours. Residents were seen stocking up on essentials, and traffic slowly started flowing on previously empty roads.
In Kathmandu, too, the capital city is witnessing encouraging signs of recovery. Vehicles have started plying normally, public transport is resuming, and traffic police have returned to duty. The Army, which had been deployed to maintain order, has now been withdrawn from key areas, with law enforcement responsibilities handed back to the Nepal Police.
While the situation is far from completely stable, these developments are being interpreted as a positive step toward restoring confidence among citizens.
The Economic Toll of the Protests
The five-day agitation has come at a significant cost to Nepal’s fragile economy. The tourism industry — which contributes nearly 7% to Nepal’s GDP — was hit the hardest. According to local media reports, losses in the hospitality sector alone have crossed 25 billion Nepalese rupees. Nearly two dozen hotels were vandalised, looted, or burned during the height of the protests.
Small business owners, street vendors, and transport operators also suffered heavily due to prolonged curfews and disruption of supply chains. Many residents complained that food prices shot up during the unrest as movement of goods was restricted.
Despite these challenges, business owners remain hopeful that stability will return soon. A shopkeeper in Birganj told reporters that the reopening of shops has brought a sigh of relief: “We faced huge losses due to the shutdown. Now that Sushila Karki is the Prime Minister, we expect better governance and a focus on development.”
a2zhealthylife.com | viralinformation.co.in | cyclo4fun.com
ibermoney.com | WebEraEnterprise.com | prediksibensintoto.com
Citizens Demand Accountability
The protests were largely led by Gen Z students and young professionals, who demanded a corruption-free government and accountability for the misuse of public funds. For many of them, Karki’s appointment as interim Prime Minister represents a turning point.
One young protester shared, “Our biggest demand was a corruption-free Nepal. We have faith that Karki will introduce strong laws to track the assets of corrupt politicians and ensure the money is returned to the public.”
Another protester was more blunt, calling for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to face trial for corruption. “All those involved in corruption should be jailed. This is the only way to rebuild trust in the political system,” he said.
Political Significance of Sushila Karki’s Appointment
Sushila Karki, a respected figure and former Chief Justice of Nepal, is known for her strong stance against corruption. Her appointment has raised hopes of constitutional reforms and improved governance. Analysts say that having a leader with a clean image is crucial for restoring public faith in state institutions.
Karki’s immediate challenge will be to form a functioning administration, stabilize the political environment, and prepare the nation for the general elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. Political observers note that this transitional period will test whether Nepal can address its systemic corruption issues and implement reforms in education, employment, and economic growth.
Gen Z: The New Political Force
The recent protests highlight the growing political influence of Nepal’s youth, especially Gen Z. Unlike earlier generations, they are digitally connected, more informed, and vocal about government accountability.
Many young people have expressed regret over past electoral choices. One student said, “We are partly responsible for this situation because we voted corrupt people into power. This time, we will not repeat that mistake.”
This newfound political consciousness could redefine Nepal’s political landscape in the upcoming elections.
Challenges Ahead
While normalcy is gradually returning, challenges remain. Some border districts still face sporadic protests, and curfews are being maintained in sensitive areas. Security forces at the India-Nepal border in Raxaul are still verifying the identity of those crossing over, ensuring that no violent elements take advantage of the relaxed restrictions.
Corruption investigations will also be closely watched. Reports of burned cash found in the houses of politicians have angered citizens and increased pressure on the new government to act swiftly. If the administration fails to meet these expectations, the fragile calm could quickly unravel.
Hopes for Reform
The protests have brought forward deeper issues — lack of employment opportunities, a weak education system, and migration of young talent abroad. Citizens hope that the new government will address these concerns.
One young professional said, “So many Nepalis spend their family savings to study abroad, but they have to work outside Nepal because there are no jobs here. The government must create opportunities so that we can contribute to Nepal’s progress.”
Education reform, job creation, and infrastructure development are now seen as key priorities for the interim government to focus on in the coming months.
India’s Role and Assistance
India has played an important role in ensuring the safety of its citizens stranded in Nepal during the protests. The Indian embassy coordinated evacuation efforts via road and air transport. Bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal is likely to continue, especially in areas of security, trade, and border management, as Nepal works toward political stability.
Looking Ahead
Nepal stands at a crossroads. The country has experienced political turbulence for decades, but the latest events have awakened a strong demand for accountability, transparency, and reform.
The reopening of shops, the return of traffic to the streets, and the withdrawal of the army from Kathmandu may seem like small steps, but they symbolize the country’s resilience and willingness to move forward.
Whether Sushila Karki’s interim government can turn this momentum into lasting change will depend on swift reforms, visible anti-corruption measures, and effective governance over the next few months. The general elections in 2026 will be the true test of whether Nepal has learned from this crisis — and whether its citizens’ renewed faith in democracy will be rewarded.