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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a thorough investigation and restraint Tuesday following deadly protests in Nepal that left 20 people dead and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.

"I'm closely following the situation in Nepal and I'm deeply saddened by the loss of life," Guterres wrote on X.

"I urge a thorough investigation, restraint to avoid further escalation of violence and dialogue towards forging a constructive path forward," he said.

He called on the authorities to "comply with human rights law," underscoring that protests "must take place in a peaceful manner, respecting life and property."

He also called for compliance with human rights laws.

The Nepal Army (NA) has extended gratitude to the people for their support and cooperation to the security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the present adverse situation in the country.

It expressed deep grief over the loss of life and property in the course of the protest. The NA requested one and all to cooperate with the security agencies to control the criminal activities.

Considering reports on vandalism and arson still going on in some places due to infiltration of anarchic persons and groups, and further possibility of such incidents, the NA has issued a prohibitory order till 5 pm today, while the curfew would be in force from then to 6 am Thursday. 

Further notice would be issued on the basis of the analyses of the situation. 

However, during the prohibitory order and curfew in place, the vehicles for essential services (ambulance, hearse, fire engine, health work, security) would be operated as usual. For necessary facilitation, the concerned person/offices are suggested coordinating with nearby security officials.

Coordination is underway with all concerned sides for resolving the problems, the statement issued by the NA Public Relations and Information Directorate said, warning of stringent actions to those involved in the criminal activities like vandalism, loot, arson and protest during the prohibitory order and curfew.

It has further requested all sides- security persons, civil servants, media persons and citizens- not to get swayed after false and misleading information, but only spread credible information and news. The NA expressed belief that it would get cooperation from people to maintain national unity and social harmony, thereby restoring normalcy.

In the statement, the NA reiterated its commitment to security to all Nepalis and humanitarian action. It also sought support in this bid.

The Nepal Army (NA) has informed that NA and other security agencies were working actively round-the-clock for the peace and security. It urged all Nepali citizens to stay aware and vigilant against untoward activities.

Issuing a notice, the NA Public Relations and Information Directorate has requested one and all to exchange the information on any untoward incidents, thereby keeping the neighbourhood safe.

If any unruly elements are found in loot, arson and damages, challenging security and unleashing violence, the people are requested to send information at 986302929.

Moreover, the Directorate said some unruly elements had spread misleading and exaggerated posts on social networks, creating panic. All sides' cooperation is essential to curb it, it said, adding the need of spreading only the right information. 

The Nepal Army is to be mobilized from 10 pm on Tuesday.

Issuing a statement, Public Relations and  Information Directorate of the Nepal Army said that the army personnel will be mobilized from 10 pm today.

“Taking advantage of the current difficult situation, some groups are causing extensive damage, looting and arson to civilians and public property. The Nepal Army once again urges people not to engage in such activities,” the statement reads, “If such activities are not stopped, all security agencies, including the Nepal Army, will remain steadfast in their primary responsibility to control the situation for the security of Nepal and Nepalis from 10 pm, September 9.”

“We also sincerely appeal to all citizens for their cooperation,” according to the statement.

In a similar note, COAS Ashok Raj Sigdel has called on the agitating groups to suspend their protest programs and come ahead for a dialogue to provide a peaceful solution to the country from the recent adverse situation.

In a video message this late evening, he urged them to prevent further damage to life and property and to cooperate in the common responsibility of maintaining peace, security, and national unity.

General Sigdel has said that it is everyone's duty to protect the supreme interests of the nation by normalizing the current difficult situation and ensuring the security of national and historical heritage and citizens' property, diplomatic missions of friendly countries and citizens at large.

He has reminded how committed the Nepal Army has been to the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, national unity and the security of the Nepali people even in adverse situations.