Nepalese Protest Leaders Name Former Chief Justice Karki as Interim Premier
(MENAFN) Youth organizers behind Nepal’s ongoing protest movement have nominated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead a transitional government, according to media, which cited the Supreme Court Bar Association’s secretary on Wednesday.
The proposal was reportedly finalized during a high-stakes virtual conference lasting nearly four hours, with an estimated 300 to 400 movement participants in attendance, local media said.
At 73, Karki has held a groundbreaking role in Nepal’s judiciary as the country's only female Chief Justice to date. In recent comments to the media, she emphasized that an interim government's top priorities would include addressing corruption, responding to public grievances, and commemorating those who lost their lives during the protests.
This move follows the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who stepped down Tuesday amid intensifying civil unrest. Violent protests that spanned two days saw demonstrators breach the Prime Minister’s Office, torch the Supreme Court and Parliament, and ransack homes belonging to high-ranking political figures.
Casualties from the upheaval continue to rise. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal confirmed that 30 people have died and 1,033 others sustained injuries in the clashes.
Authorities allege that the movement has been infiltrated by extremists and criminal actors. “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 declared in an official statement. Reported offenses include arson, looting, property damage, targeted assaults, and attempted sexual violence.
Despite the chaos, young volunteers mobilized on Wednesday morning to launch street-cleaning efforts across the capital—mere hours ahead of a curfew imposed by the military. Local outlets say the cleanup drives were coordinated through digital platforms.
Under the curfew, only essential service vehicles—such as ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, and official transport for healthcare and security staff—will be allowed to operate. The army has urged residents in need of aid to liaise directly with local security forces.
Meanwhile, air travel has resumed. Nepal’s international airport reopened early Wednesday after a two-day shutdown, according to a notice issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
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