Daijiworld Media Network – Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Sep 10: As violent protests rock Nepal, the leaderless ‘Gen Z’ movement has proposed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, advocate Raman Kumar Karna, secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said on Wednesday. The group is expected to present the proposal to the Nepali Army chief as talks over broader demands continue.

At 73, Karki stands apart from the youthful agitators — many under the age limit of 28 set by the movement — but her clean, non-partisan image has made her the protesters’ top choice. She is the only woman to have served as Nepal’s Chief Justice and has remained largely free from political affiliations despite her late husband’s past with the Nepali Congress.

The Himalayan nation has never had a woman prime minister, though the presidency was once held by Bidya Devi Bhandari. Karki’s rise to Chief Justice was approved by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned earlier this week after violent protests triggered by a social media ban.

Meanwhile, Kathmandu remained under tight security with curfew orders still in place. The Health Ministry said the death toll had climbed to 25, with more than 600 injured. Parliament and several government buildings were charred after being set ablaze, while army vehicles patrolled the streets to maintain order.

The army said prohibitory orders would remain in force until Thursday morning, warning of strict action against vandalism and looting. Former SC judge Balaram KC urged protesters to maintain peace and press for fresh elections.

Wedged between India and China, Nepal’s crisis has drawn international concern. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese officials have both appealed for calm, urging restoration of peace and stability.