NEPALESE soldiers took to the streets of the capital today and ordered people to stay at home as they sought to restore order after tens of thousands of rioters set fire to government buildings and attacked politicians.

Armed troops guarding the main areas of Kathmandu appeared to give some sense of control returning to the city, after it had been engulfed by violence and chaos in the previous days.

The violent protests began earlier this week after the government blocked some social media platforms, saying that those companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight.

Many young people are angry that the children of political leaders seem to enjoy luxury lifestyles and numerous advantages, while most of the youth struggles to find work.

The army warned on Tuesday night that security forces were committed to preserving law and order. The military is rarely mobilised in Nepal and troops initially stayed in their barracks while police failed to control the situation.

Soldiers fired into the air today after prisoners overpowered police guards and tried to escape from the main jail in the heart of Kathmandu.

The prisoners set fire to buildings containing cells and guard houses and broke down the main entrance before pouring into the streets.

The soldiers were able to block the escape attempt and transferred the prisoners to different jails. No injuries were reported.