New prime minister urges calm after deadly protests

Sushila Karki, the country’s first woman prime minister

Nepal’s new prime minister took office yesterday and “urged calm and cooperation to rebuild” the Himalayan nation after days of violent protests last week left at least 72 people dead and destroyed government buildings and politicians’ homes.

Sushila Karki, the country’s first woman prime minister, told top officials gathered at her temporary office that each family of slain protesters will receive monetary compensation of 1 million rupees (about $ 11,330) and assured that those injured would be taken care of, state TV reported.

“We all need to get together to rebuild the country,” Karki said, pledging to work to get the South Asian nation back on track.

The massive demonstrations — called the protest of Gen Z — began on Sept. 8 over a short-lived social media ban. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets, particularly young people, angry about widespread corruption and poverty, while the children of political leaders, known as “nepo kids,” seemed to enjoy luxurious lifestyles.

The protests soon turned violent, with protesters attacking the parliament building and police opening fire, and led to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who fled his official residence.

The actual headquarters of the prime minister, an old white-colored palace converted to an office in the capital, Kathmandu, was set on fire along with the offices of the president, the supreme court, key government ministries and several police stations on Sept. 9, a day after police shot at protesters. The businesses and houses of key families were also attacked, including several stores of a popular supermarket chain in Nepal.

Calm was restored after the army took control of the streets that night, and negotiations between protesters, the army and the president began over an interim government.

Karki, 73, was named the new prime minister on Sept. 12. She was a popular figure while serving as the court’s only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, and was known for her stance against corruption in the government.

Fresh parliamentary elections have been set for March 5. BINAJ GURUBACHARYA, KATHMANDU, MDT/AP