Armed soldiers guarded Nepal's parliament on Wednesday, as the streets of Kathmandu remained deserted following an indefinite curfew imposed on the capital, according to a Reuters report.
The curfew was enforced after two days of deadly anti-corruption protests that ultimately prompted Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign.
The worst unrest in decades in the impoverished Himalayan nation was triggered by a social media ban announced last week, which was later revoked after 19 people died on Monday when police used tear gas and rubber bullets to control protesters.
Burnt vehicles and twisted metal heaps littered the area around parliament, where army firefighters battled to douse a blaze in the main hall.
The building's exterior was also scorched after enraged protesters set it on fire on Tuesday.
"We are trying to normalise the situation first," army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said. "We are committed to protect the life and property of people."
Several other government buildings, including the supreme court, ministers' homes, and Oli's private residence, were also set ablaze in Tuesday's protests.
The unrest only began to subside after the Prime Minister's resignation.
The main airport in Kathmandu remained shut until 6pm (1215 GMT), an airport spokesperson said, disrupting flights.
In an appeal on X, the army said that relevant parties were coordinating to tackle the situation after the protest and resolve the issue, while prohibitory orders would stay until Thursday morning.
The media also reported that preparations were being made for authorities and protesters to hold talks, without providing details.
Reuters could not independently confirm the information.
Former Supreme Court judge Balaram K.C. called on protesters to form a negotiation team, with the army maintaining law and order, and urged the holding of fresh elections.
"Parliament should be dissolved and fresh elections held," the constitutional expert told Reuters. "They should discuss forming the next caretaker government."
Most of the protesters were young people giving voice to their frustration at the government's perceived failure to curb corruption and boost economic opportunities.
For years, a lack of jobs has prompted millions of Nepalese to seek work overseas in countries such as Malaysia, the Middle East, and South Korea, mostly on construction sites, to send money back home.
Nestled between India and China, Nepal has struggled with political and economic instability since protests led to the abolition of its monarchy in 2008.
India's security cabinet also met late on Tuesday to discuss the situation in its neighbour.
"Nepal's stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X later. "I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to maintain peace and order."
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