Nepal’s political crisis deepened on Tuesday as Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel asked Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign amid violent Gen Z-led protests sweeping the country, sources told Indian media.
According to officials familiar with the conversation, Oli spoke to the Army Chief, urging him to take charge of the worsening situation. General Sigdel responded that the Army could only stabilise the country if Oli relinquished power. Army sources also said the military is prepared to step in once Oli steps down.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also requested the Army’s assistance in securing a safe passage out of his official residence in Baluwatar and has sought help to leave the country. Sources said Oli is planning to fly to Dubai under the pretext of medical treatment, with private carrier Himalaya Airlines kept on standby.
Meanwhile, ministers of the Oli-led government are being airlifted to the airport from their residences in army helicopters. At least five helicopters have been deployed to evacuate Cabinet ministers, even as curfews remain in force across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
Around a dozen army helicopters were deployed from helipads at the Bhaisepati ministerial quarters, south of Kathmandu, to Kathmandu International Airport, ferrying ministers to safety. The airport has become a flashpoint. Protesters are using social media to urge supporters to disrupt operations by firing fireworks, flying drones, and shining laser beams at aircraft.
