Nepal residents thankful normal life has resumed, days after deadly protests

Life in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, returned to normal on Sunday (September 14), just days after deadly protests left at least 51 people dead and blanketed the city in smoke.

Visitors flocked back to popular attractions like Swayambhunath Temple and the Narayanhiti Museum, while the streets, once deserted due to unrest, were once again filled with traffic. The return of calm brought relief to residents, with many expressing gratitude for the quick recovery of daily life.

One intercity bus driver, who travelled over 8 hours from the southeastern Rajbiraj municipality, shared his appreciation: "The road was in good condition. There were no obstacles, and we reached our destination two hours earlier than usual. I want to express my thanks for that."

The protests, which had intensified over the past week, culminated in a violent clash that shook the country. In response to the unrest, Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel announced on Friday (September 12) that the parliament would be dissolved, and fresh elections would be held on March 5.

The recent turbulence also saw the appointment of Nepal's first female prime minister, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The decision was made following intense political negotiations and pressure from various factions, marking a significant shift in Nepal’s political landscape.

As the country begins to heal from the turmoil, the focus now turns to rebuilding trust and ensuring a peaceful and democratic transition in the upcoming months.

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