Nepal Army seizes Kathmandu airport, holds talks amid Gen Z protests

Nepal descended deeper into crisis on Tuesday as the Army assumed control of Tribhuvan International Airport and other strategic locations following escalating protests led by Gen Z demonstrators. The unrest, triggered by grievances over corruption, social media restrictions, and political privilege, has already claimed 20 lives and forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.The Nepal Army confirmed that troops have been deployed across the capital and other key districts to safeguard public institutions, heritage sites, and private property.The Nepali Army also announced the arrest of 26 individuals accused of involvement in looting and vandalism during the ongoing youth-led protests. The arrests were made as part of a special security operation aimed at controlling the unrest. Armored vehicles and security personnel were seen patrolling Kathmandu Valley, with loudspeakers urging people to refrain from joining further demonstrations.Tribhuvan International Airport was shut down until 6 pm on Wednesday, suspending all international and domestic flights. Air India cancelled four of its six daily flights from New Delhi, while IndiGo and Nepal Airlines also halted services. “The Army’s first priority is to restore order and ensure citizen safety,” said Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, who has appealed for dialogue instead of violence.
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and West Bengal Police have intensified security at Panitanki, the Indian border town and the principal transit point to Nepal from north Bengal and the Northeast.Umesh Lama, who hails from Kakarvitta, the border town of Eastern Nepal, said, “If leaders (of Nepal) had been good, then this wouldn’t have happened.”

VIDEO | Siliguri: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and West Bengal Police have intensified security at Panitanki, the Indian border town and the principal transit point to Nepal from north Bengal and the Northeast.

Umesh Lama, who hails from Kakarvitta, the border town of Eastern… pic.twitter.com/8T1i4CNEwj

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 10, 2025

In a rare move, General Sigdel held midnight talks with Gen Z protesters to better understand their demands. Preparations are now underway for President Ramchandra Paudel to meet youth representatives, with the Army acting as mediator.The protesters have issued a declaration demanding the dissolution of parliament, constitutional reform with youth participation, and fresh elections. They also called for the nationalisation of illegally acquired property from the last three decades and restructuring of key sectors including education, health, and justice.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives, describing the deaths of young demonstrators as “heart-wrenching.” Writing in Nepali on social media, Modi stressed that Nepal’s stability and prosperity were of “utmost importance” and urged people to maintain peace and order.Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments to prevent the unrest from sparking anti-India sentiment, particularly on social media platforms. Officials fear the protests could influence youth movements in India and are keeping a close watch on online activity.

On my return from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab today, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security discussed the developments in Nepal. The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace and prosperity of…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2025

According to information,the Army has announced a nationwide curfew from 5 pm Wednesday until 6 am Thursday, citing risks of vandalism, arson, and looting. Essential services such as ambulances, fire engines, and medical vehicles will be exempt under coordination with authorities.Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai voiced support for peaceful protests but cautioned that “outsiders with hidden agendas” may have infiltrated the movement, pointing to recent attacks on Parliament, courts, and ministerial offices.
Despite the violence, protest leaders have urged supporters to help clean up damaged areas. They declared those killed during demonstrations as martyrs whose families will be honored.“The movement is not tied to any party or individual—it is for the nation’s future,” read a statement from protest organisers.