Nepals Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel PC: X
The Nepal Army has appealed to citizens and Gen Z protesters to remain peaceful, protect property, and not resort to violence as protests were held for a second consecutive day despite Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resignation.
In a press statement issued through its Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the Army said it would take over security operations from 10 pm Tuesday.
It cautioned that 'some elements are taking undue advantage of the precarious situation and inflicting serious damage to common citizens and public property.'"
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The Army also called for the cooperation of the people, asking citizens not to engage in or incite violent activities.
It reiterated its pledge to 'safeguard citizens' lives and dignity and stated that it stood ready to serve as a mediator to get things back to normalcy and peace.
Nepal Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel appealed to protesters on TV during a bid to end violence, calling for dialogue instead of confrontation. "We urge the protesting group to stop protest programmes and come forward for dialogue for an exit of peace for the country," he stated.
He emphasized ensuring "normalisation of the current hard situation and safeguarding our national and historical heritage and public and private property, and providing security to the general public and diplomatic missions."
Local media reports indicated that General Sigdel had told Oli to resign, although this has not been confirmed officially.
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Born on February 1, 1967, in Rupandehi, Sigdel entered the Nepal Army in 1986 and was commissioned the next year. He possesses a master's degree in strategic studies from China's National Defense University and another in master's from Tribhuvan University, Schooled in Nepal, China, and India, he also finished India's Defence Management Course.
During his career, Sigdel has served as the inspector general, director of military operations, and battalions, brigades, and divisions commander. He has also served in UN peacekeeping missions in Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia.
In September 2024, he was selected as the 45th Chief of Army Staff by President Ram Chandra Paudel.
Later, in December 2024, during his Indian visit, he was awarded the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu.
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Nepal has been shaken by unrest even after Oli stepped down. Demonstrators burned Parliament, the Office of the President, the Prime Minister's residence, the Supreme Court, the offices of political parties, and leaders' homes.
Oli stepped down after hundreds of protesters rushed into his office, calling for him to resign over the killings of at least 19 individuals in police gunfire during Monday's Gen Z protests. The protests broke out over outrage regarding corruption and a government shutdown of social media. Late Monday night, the shutdown was suspended.
