Kathmandu, September 11 (HS): Amid Nepal’s escalating political crisis, a section of Gen-Z protest leaders on Thursday proposed the name of Kulman Ghising as interim head of government. Known for his administrative experience and achievements in the country’s energy sector, Ghising has emerged as a consensus candidate after extended negotiations failed to settle on former Chief Justice Sushila Karki or businessman Durga Prasai.
The move came after marathon talks at the Army Headquarters in Kathmandu, chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel and attended by seven Gen-Z representatives. Outside the venue, rival groups of demonstrators clashed over representation, reflecting divisions within the protest movement.
Opposition to Sushila Karki’s Candidacy
Karki’s name faced strong resistance from protesters, with critics citing controversies linked to her husband’s alleged involvement in an aircraft hijacking case. Although she was Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, her tenure was marred by political turbulence, including a suspension due to an impeachment motion in Parliament—later overturned by the Supreme Court. Protest groups argued her past associations made her unsuitable to head the interim leadership.
Prachanda Appeals for Constitutional Resolution
Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ appealed against dissolving Parliament, calling instead for a solution within the constitutional framework. Emphasizing that the youth-led movement was not against democracy or the republican order, he warned that dissolving the legislature could worsen the crisis. “Strengthening democracy and the republic must be our foremost responsibility,” Prachanda said, urging all stakeholders to forge consensus on constitutional amendments demanded by protesters.
Army Chief Briefs President
Separately, Army Chief General Sigdel met President Ramchandra Paudel to apprise him of the latest political and security developments. He briefed on ongoing negotiations and broader constitutional efforts aimed at defusing the crisis.
Indigo Airlifts Stranded Indian Tourists
Amid continuing unrest, an Indigo Airlines chartered aircraft landed in Kathmandu on Thursday to evacuate stranded Indian tourists. Another aircraft is due to land shortly, officials confirmed. The prolonged turmoil has dealt a severe blow to Nepal’s hospitality sector, with hotels reporting a 50 percent drop in business following the violence.
34 Dead in Protests, Over 1,300 Injured
The Health Ministry reported that 34 people have died since Monday’s Gen-Z protests turned violent across the country. Hospitals are treating 1,338 injured, while 949 have already been discharged. Most fatalities were reported in Kathmandu’s Civil Hospital, National Trauma Centre and several regional medical facilities including Bhairahawa, Dharan, and Biratnagar.
Indian Media Barred from Coverage
In a sharp escalation, protesters outside Army Headquarters stopped Indian media outlets from broadcasting live, accusing them of biased reporting and pro-monarchy sympathies. Journalists were forced to leave the protest site after Nepal Army officials directed them out to ease tensions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
