Modi appeals for peace as Nepal unrest deepens after PM resigns

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Photo:Reuters

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has turned into the center of a political storm after three days of violent protests shook the Himalayan nation. The crisis reached a breaking point on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, when Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned from his position. His sudden decision left the country without a clear leader at a time when anger and frustration were already at dangerous levels.

The situation became so tense that the Nepal Army announced it would officially take control of law and order from 10 p.m. Tuesday night. Soldiers were deployed on the streets to enforce curfews and prevent further clashes after police forces failed to contain the violence.

Modi’s Emotional Appeal

Across the border, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern. He said the violence and loss of young lives in Nepal were “heart-wrenching.” Speaking in an emotional tone, Modi urged the people of Nepal to stop the unrest and focus on peace and unity.

“My heart is extremely disturbed by the fact that many young people have lost their lives. Nepal’s stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance,” Modi said. He appealed to the citizens of Nepal in their own language, posting a message on social media written in Nepali. By doing this, he tried to connect directly with ordinary Nepalese people and encourage them to remain calm.

Modi’s statement carried extra weight because India and Nepal share a long history of cultural, economic, and religious ties. Millions of Nepalese work and live in India, and both countries depend on each other for trade and travel.

The Fall of Oli

The protests that shook Nepal began as demonstrations against Prime Minister Oli’s leadership. Many citizens accused his government of failing to listen to the people and ignoring the needs of the younger generation. Over the last few years, Oli’s administration faced criticism for political instability, slow economic growth, and internal conflicts within his own party.

The anger finally boiled over, leading to street protests that turned violent. Clashes between demonstrators and police left several people dead and many more injured. The rising death toll and public outrage forced Oli to step down, leaving a power vacuum in the government.

His resignation has opened the door to more uncertainty. Political parties in Nepal now face the urgent task of finding a new leader who can bring stability, but the process is expected to be difficult in such a tense environment.

Army Steps In

With Oli gone and the protests spiraling out of control, the Nepal Army decided to take over security responsibilities. From late Tuesday evening, the army has been tasked with maintaining peace in Kathmandu and other affected cities.

Streets in the capital fell silent under a strict curfew. Army trucks and soldiers were seen patrolling major intersections, while most citizens stayed indoors. Shops, schools, and offices remained closed. Many families reported fear and uncertainty, not knowing how long the crisis would last or whether the violence would spread further.

The use of the army in domestic matters is always seen as a serious step, showing how grave the situation has become. Some citizens worry that the military’s involvement may bring temporary order but could also increase tensions if protests continue.

India’s Strategic Concern

For India, Nepal’s stability is not just about being a good neighbor—it is also about regional security. Nepal shares a long open border with India, which allows people to move freely between the two countries. Any major unrest in Nepal can quickly affect India’s border states, especially Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, where many Nepalese people live and work.

By appealing for peace, Modi aimed not only to comfort Nepalese citizens but also to signal India’s support for stability in the Himalayan nation. His statement came after he chaired a high-level meeting with India’s Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs in Delhi. This showed how seriously India views the developments in Nepal.

The Human Side of the Crisis

Beyond politics and power struggles, the crisis in Nepal has touched the daily lives of ordinary people. Families have lost sons and daughters in the protests. Many young protesters said they wanted a better future, but instead, their demands led to tragedy.

In Kathmandu, hospitals have been flooded with injured protesters, while parents search desperately for missing children. Markets remain closed, transport services are suspended, and tourism—a major source of Nepal’s income—has almost completely stopped.

The curfew has also created problems for workers who depend on daily wages to feed their families. For them, every day of shutdown means hunger and hardship.

International Reactions

Nepal’s crisis has caught the attention of the international community. Several countries have called for calm and urged all sides to respect democratic processes. However, most foreign governments are being careful not to interfere too much in Nepal’s internal matters, leaving the responsibility to Nepalese leaders and the people themselves.

India’s voice, however, stands out because of its unique relationship with Nepal. Modi’s choice to post his appeal in Nepali was widely discussed and praised as a gesture of respect and solidarity.

What Lies Ahead?

Nepal now faces a crucial test. The army may be able to stop violence temporarily, but real peace will only come when political leaders find a solution to the crisis. Without a strong and stable government, unrest could return at any moment.

The resignation of Oli has created a leadership gap that must be filled quickly to avoid more instability. Political experts believe that new elections could be one option, but organizing them during unrest will be difficult. Others suggest that a unity government including different parties might help calm tensions.

For ordinary Nepalese citizens, the hope is simple: an end to violence, a return to normal life, and a future where young people’s voices are heard.

The events in Nepal over the past few days show how quickly political anger can turn into a national crisis. The resignation of Prime Minister Oli, the army taking control, and Prime Minister Modi’s emotional appeal have all highlighted the seriousness of the situation.

What happens next will depend on how Nepal’s leaders and citizens respond. Will the nation return to peace and stability, or will it fall deeper into unrest? For now, the streets of Kathmandu remain under military watch, and the people of Nepal wait anxiously for answers.

Nepal protests 2025