KATHMANDU, Nepal — Sushila Karki officially assumed office as Nepal’s prime minister on Sunday, two days after being sworn in to lead an interim government, according to local media reports.

Karki, the country’s first woman premier and former chief justice, was appointed by President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday following the ouster of the elected government of KP Sharma Oli.

Her appointment came in response to protesters’ demands after days of unrest.

She began her official duties at the Home Ministry building in Singha Durbar, which has temporarily replaced the prime minister’s office after the original building was set ablaze during demonstrations.

Among her first actions, Karki approved assistance for victims of the “Gen Z” protest movement.

Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal said the government recognized those killed in the protests as martyrs, with each affected family to receive financial support.

Hospitals were also directed to provide free treatment to the injured.

At least 51 people were killed and many more wounded during mass protests this week, sparked by a ban on social media platforms.

The demonstrations grew into a broader movement against alleged corruption and nepotism among the political elite, with protesters targeting residences, the Supreme Court, and other public buildings. — Agencies