Army, Gen Z Protesters Resume Talks to Choose Nepal Interim Leader

Lead Nepal’s army resumed talks on Thursday with Generation Z protesters in Kathmandu to agree on an interim prime minister as curfews and military patrols remain in force following days of deadly unrest.

Nut Graf The dialogue marks a critical turning point in a youth-led movement that ousted the previous government, reflecting both the protesters’ growing political influence and the military’s bid to restore stability before elections.

Background Generation Z demonstrators mobilized nationwide in early September, first over a social media ban and later broader grievances about corruption and unemployment. Their pressure forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign on September 9, triggering a security crackdown that left at least 30 dead and more than 1,000 injured across violent clashes between police, protesters, and arsonists.

Negotiations Under Curfew

• Military control: Soldiers continue vehicle checks at checkpoints and enforce a curfew in Kathmandu and surrounding districts until further notice.
• Protester demands: Youth leaders back former Supreme Court chief justice Sushil Karki to head the interim government, seeking accountability and new elections.
• Army’s role: Officials warn that any renewed violence will be met with firm action, even as they invite Gen Z delegates to formal talks.

Next Steps The interim leader must oversee a transition to fresh elections and investigate the previous administration’s alleged corruption. Observers view the talks as a test of Nepal’s institutions to accommodate emerging civic actors and to balance civilian authority with military oversight.