Kathmandu is facing an unprecedented state of disorder following the collapse of the national government. With the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and several key ministers, the capital is effectively leaderless, leaving a significant administrative vacuum. Reports from local journalists indicate that the situation has reached a level that has shocked many residents and observers. Smoke was reportedly seen rising from the Parliament building, further heightening concerns over safety and order in the city.

Local authorities, including Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, have urged protesters to remain calm and avoid violence. In a post on social media, the mayor appealed to demonstrators to protect public property and refrain from causing further damage, emphasizing that destruction of national assets would ultimately harm everyone. Shah highlighted the responsibility of the younger generation to step forward and assume leadership roles for the country’s future. He also called on protesters to prepare for discussions with the army chief, signaling the need for dialogue amid the unrest.

According to journalist Ramyata Limbu, the current environment in Kathmandu reflects a significant breakdown in governance. “It seems as though no one is in charge,” Limbu told Al Jazeera, describing the chaos as a type of administrative anarchy. The lack of a functioning government has left city institutions struggling to maintain basic order, intensifying both public anxiety and the momentum of ongoing protests.

Despite the turmoil, there are signs of potential coordination among security forces to restore stability. Limbu reported that the army, civil police, armed police, and six senior officials from the Home Ministry recently issued a joint statement addressing the unrest. Authorities hope this coordinated effort will help calm tensions and prevent further escalation of violence.

Mayor Shah stressed that with the resignation of the government leadership, it is imperative for the city’s population to act responsibly. He reminded citizens that harming public property at this time would undermine collective well-being and that the nation’s future now rests in the hands of its youth. The mayor’s statements are aimed at channeling the energy of demonstrators toward constructive engagement rather than destructive acts.

In the midst of these developments, protesters are reportedly preparing to hold talks with the army chief. This step reflects an effort to formalize dialogue between the movement’s leaders and the country’s remaining authoritative institutions, aiming to stabilize the capital and outline a path forward. Observers see this as a critical moment in Nepal’s ongoing political crisis, with the potential for the military to play a pivotal role in mediating between the population and residual government structures.

The unrest in Kathmandu underscores the fragile state of governance following the resignation of key political figures. The power vacuum has created an atmosphere in which both public safety and administrative oversight are under strain. While the resignation of Prime Minister Oli has removed the immediate source of public anger, the absence of a structured authority has left a leadership void that needs urgent attention.

Security experts suggest that coordinated measures by the army, police, and government officials will be essential to prevent further chaos. The joint statement issued by security leadership aims to reassure the public and provide a framework for dialogue, emphasizing the protection of human life and public property.

As protests continue, the focus remains on maintaining order while allowing for the voices of the demonstrators to be heard. Kathmandu’s citizens, authorities, and the youth-led protest movement now face a delicate balancing act: ensuring the transition of power does not lead to further violence, while also charting a new course for political leadership in the capital. The coming days will likely be critical in determining whether stability can be restored and whether the youth-driven movement can influence the future governance of Nepal.