At least 51 people have been confirmed dead after the extensive public protests this week, announces the police spokesperson Binod Ghimire on Friday.
The expressions of discontent were triggered by the government's plans to ban several social media platforms, but were fueled by pent-up anger against the country's political elite, corruption and nepotism as well as a faltering economy.
After the demonstrators were met with deadly police violence, several government buildings were set on fire by the enraged crowd. In the midst of it all, the government resigned and Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli fled the country.
Since the protests culminated on Tuesday, a tense calm prevails in the capital Katmandu. A curfew is in effect and the military is patrolling the streets.
In connection with the chaotic protests, around 13,500 prisoners escaped from various institutions around the country. On Friday, the vast majority of them, 12,500, are still on the run.
