Nepal's army imposed a "public curfew" as a fragile calm gripped the country on Wednesday, a day after massive protests toppled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government.
"The order prohibiting public activities will be in effect until 5:00 PM local time today after which a nationwide curfew will be imposed starting the Nepal Army said in a statement, as quoted by The Himalayan Times.
The military added that further decisions would be taken as the security situation develops.
Troops were deployed across the country to maintain order, hours after Oli resigned under pressure from the masses.
Protesters set fire to several key government buildings, including the parliament building, Oli's private residence, and the president's office.
The Singha Durbar government complex, which houses the ministerial headquarters, also sustained extensive damage. The Ministries of Health and Population, along with other government offices, including the Supreme Court, were reportedly completely destroyed.
At least 20 protesters, mostly young people, have been killed and nearly 350 others injured since Monday when protests erupted after the government banned the use of social media.
The army was also deployed to maintain order as the mob damaged public facilities and freed prisoners.
In his address Tuesday evening, Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel called on the public to remain calm and open up dialogue to resolve the crisis in the Himalayan nation.
Jagdishor Panday, editor-in-chief of Nepal Diplomat, told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday that the army made a public announcement, asking residents to maintain calm.
"Security forces have also asked the public to return looted items, including weapons, to the authorities," Panday said by telephone.
Although the protest movement does not have a specific leader, he said security forces are expected to hold meetings with a number of figures leading the action.
"There is a demand for the formation of an interim government and people from various walks of life in Nepal are expected to attend this meeting," Panday said, adding that General Sigdel would likely chair the meeting.
Meanwhile, China expressed its hope on Wednesday that all parties in Nepal can properly resolve internal issues and restore social order and national stability as soon as possible.
