Nepalese troops patrol streets as violence-hit nation returns to normalcy
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Kathmandu (PTI): Nepalese troops on Wednesday patrolled the streets to restore order and to quell possible violence "under the guise of agitation" as the Himalayan nation slowly returned to normalcy, a day after violent demonstrations forced Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign.
The Nepal Army, which took control of security from Tuesday night after incidents of arson and vandalism across the country, imposed nationwide restrictive orders followed by a curfew until 6 am Thursday.
The national capital wore a deserted look as soldiers guarded the streets and ordered people to stay at home, a day after protesters set fire to the key government buildings, political parties' offices and homes of senior politicians. There were no reports of violence on Wednesday.
In a statement, the army said that measures were necessitated to curb possible incidents of looting, arson, and other destructive activities "under the guise of agitation".
The army warned that any form of demonstrations, vandalism, arson, or attacks on individuals and property during the restrictive period would be treated as criminal acts and dealt with accordingly.
As the situation returns to normalcy, the protesting Gen Z group held discussions to finalise the name of the person to lead an interim government.
Former chief justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and former electricity board CEO Kulman Ghising were among the names being considered by the group to lead the interim government, sources said on Wednesday.
Karki is the only woman to serve as the chief justice of Nepal's top court.
Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma issued a joint statement, saying they are ready to cooperate with the Gen Z group. However, they emphasised that any decision must follow the constitutional and legal process.
“Lawlessness only leads to further chaos. Therefore, during the talks, we urge the President and the Gen Z representatives to ensure that a new political structure is formed for governance and elections without causing a prolonged constitutional vacuum or instability,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu resumed services from Wednesday evening, 24 hours after closing its operations due to violent protests.
In a notice, the TIA management asked the passengers concerned to contact their respective airline companies for re-confirmation (of their flights). It said all domestic and international flights, which had been suspended, are now cleared to operate.
The Nepal Army has asked the "foreign nationals, stranded due to the current difficult situation, to contact the nearest security post or security people for their rescue or any other help.”
It has also requested hotels, tourism entrepreneurs and related agencies concerned to provide necessary help to the needy foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the violent protests led by the 'Gen Z' group in the last two days increased to 30, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the ministry said 1,061 people were injured. It said 719 of the injured have been discharged, while 274 have been admitted to the hospital.
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NCW chief condemns rape-murder of 4-year-old girl in Pune, calls for swift action
New Delhi (PTI): National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Pune, calling it "deeply distressing" and a "blot on humanity".
The girl was allegedly raped and killed by a 65-year-old labourer, who has a criminal record, in Bhor tehsil of Pune on Friday. The accused allegedly lured the child to a cattle enclosure on the pretext of giving her food. After raping her, he killed her by hitting her with a stone, according to police.
The accused has been arrested.
In a post on X on Saturday, Rahatkar said the incident in the Nasrapur area in Pune was heartbreaking and has shaken society.
"The brutal torture and murder of a four-year-old innocent girl in Nasrapur (Bhor, Pune) is deeply painful, heartbreaking, and shocking. It is a blot on humanity," she said.
She said Pune Rural police has arrested the accused and noted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar have assured strict action in the case.
Rahatkar said the NCW has taken cognisance of the matter and written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), requesting the body to ensure necessary and prompt action.
It has also been recommended that the case be pursued under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and be closely monitored from the filing of the chargesheet to proceedings in a fast-track special court to ensure time-bound justice, she added.
Ensuring justice for the victim and stringent punishment for the accused is a collective responsibility, the NCW chairperson underlined.
In a post on X, the NCW said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the extremely "heinous" incident.
"This heinous crime causes profound pain and outrage, and it highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of young girls," it said.
Strongly condemning this grave "inhuman act", the NCW said such crimes constitute a serious violation of children's rights and raise questions about society's security system.
