Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, assumed office on Sunday, calling for calm and cooperation to help rebuild the country following violent protests that have claimed at least 72 lives and caused extensive damage to government buildings and politicians’ residences.
Karki, who makes history as Nepal’s first female prime minister, addressed top government officials at her temporary office, announcing that the families of those killed in the protests would each receive compensation of 1 million rupees (approximately $11,330). She also promised that those injured would receive proper medical attention, according to state TV.
“We all need to get together to rebuild the country,” Karki said, expressing her commitment to putting Nepal back on track, reports AP/UNB.
In her speech, Karki assured the public that her term would be brief, stating, “We will not stay here more than six months in any situation, we will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”
The protests, which started on September 8 and were sparked by a brief social media ban, escalated into widespread demonstrations, particularly among the youth, who were angered by ongoing corruption and poverty.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets, and the death toll from two days of unrest climbed from 51 to at least 72, with 191 more injured, according to Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal.
The protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who fled his official residence. The headquarters of the prime minister in capital Kathmandu, alongside the offices of the president, the supreme court, important government ministries and several police stations were torched.
Order was restored when the army took control of the streets, and talks between the army, protesters, and the president began over an interim government.
Karki, 73, was named as the new prime minister on September 12. She had previously served as the chief justice of the Supreme Court from 2016 to 2017, gaining popularity for her firm stance against government corruption.
Fresh parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 5.
