Nepal Plunges into Chaos: Army Deploys as Protests Turn Violent Over Royal University Naming

Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital, has been plunged into an unprecedented state of unrest, forcing the national army onto its streets. What began as student protests against a government decision spiraled rapidly into widespread violence, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting authorities to impose a strict curfew across the Kathmandu Valley.

The catalyst for this tumultuous outbreak was the government's contentious decision to name a new university after the late King Birendra.

This move, intended by some as a tribute, was vehemently opposed by numerous student organizations and political factions who view it as a divisive step, particularly in a nation that abolished its monarchy just over a decade ago.

Initially peaceful demonstrations quickly devolved into chaos. Reports from across the city paint a grim picture of clashes between protestors and security forces, with mobs setting fire to government vehicles, private cars, and even ransacking official buildings and private residences.

The sheer scale of the destruction underscored the intensity of public anger.

In a stark move to regain control, the Royal Nepalese Army was deployed, a rare sight that highlights the gravity of the situation. Defense Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari confirmed the army's mandate: "The army is out to control the situation and restore order," he stated, emphasizing the government's determination to quell the unrest.

The curfew, enforced across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, effectively shut down the entire valley, bringing daily life to a standstill.

Tragically, the unrest has already claimed at least one life, with dozens more injured, further fueling the volatile atmosphere. This wave of protests underscores deeper political sensitivities surrounding the former royal family.

While King Birendra, who reigned until his assassination in 2001, is remembered by some as a benevolent monarch, the very notion of honoring the monarchy remains a deeply contentious issue in post-republic Nepal, reigniting old wounds and divisions.

As the army patrols the deserted streets and the curfew holds the city in its grip, Nepal grapples with its most severe internal security challenge in recent memory.

The path to restoring genuine peace and addressing the underlying grievances remains fraught with difficulty, casting a shadow over the nation's fragile political landscape.