Nepal is experiencing major political and social unrest, with a protest movement intensifying. The army took control of the country on Tuesday night due to the escalating violence. Amidst the unrest, a significant development emerged: former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli allegedly fled to Dubai after resigning. A Nepali air hostess shared a video from the airport, claiming that Oli had departed from Kathmandu. This video’s spread has further fueled protesters’ anger.
Media outlets indicate Oli might have sought the army’s assistance to leave the country, allegedly for medical treatment in Dubai. A Himalaya Airlines jet was reportedly on standby. Demonstrators targeted Oli’s home, the Presidential Palace, and the Supreme Court. Clashes and arson have led to 22 fatalities and over 400 injuries.
The Nepali army has warned against targeting civilians and government property, promising stern action against those engaging in looting, arson, and vandalism. Other former prime ministers, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Jhalanath Khanal, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, were also targeted. Khanal’s wife died from injuries sustained in a fire, while Deuba and Finance Minister Vishnu Paudel were attacked by protesters.