Kathmandu (Rajeev Sharma): Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned today as violent protests, led by the rebel youth group “Gen Z,” escalated across the country against a controversial social media ban and widespread corruption. At least 19 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in the clashes. Demonstrators stormed Parliament in Kathmandu and other cities, set tyres ablaze, and torched leaders’ residences.
The unrest began on Monday after the government banned 26 social media platforms. Young protesters denounced the move as an attempt to shield corrupt politicians, chanting slogans like “Oli thief, leave the country” and “Act against corrupt leaders.” Even though the ban was lifted on Tuesday, the protests intensified, forcing several ministers to resign. Domestic flights were suspended, and an indefinite curfew was imposed in Kathmandu.
In his resignation statement, Oli said he stepped down to seek a political solution. Although he had called an all-party meeting at 6 pm today, he could not attend due to the ongoing unrest. President Ram Chandra Paudel has accepted his resignation, paving the way for the formation of a new government.
Most protesters, mainly students and youth, blocked roads in Kalanki, Kalimati, Tahachal, and Baneshwor. Demonstrations spread to Chyasal, Chapagaun, and Thecho in Lalitpur district. Slogans such as “Don’t kill students” echoed as clashes erupted, with stone-pelting, tear gas, and rubber bullets used. In Sunakothi, protesters hurled stones at the residence of Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.
In Bhaktapur, protesters set fire to Oli’s private residence while he remained at the PM’s official house in Baluwatar. The home of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in Naikap was also attacked despite his earlier resignation. Other ministers, including Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari, Health Minister Pradeep Paudel, and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, resigned, citing moral responsibility amid the unrest.
Protesters also targeted President Ram Chandra Paudel’s private residence and those of other senior leaders, including Sher Bahadur Deuba. Fire brigades were deployed but struggled to contain the violence. Heavy deployment of police and military forces was ordered, with Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel reportedly advising Oli to step down.
Sources revealed that Oli plans to seek asylum in Dubai following his resignation. Several ministers were airlifted by helicopter to the airport, which has since been shut down. Tribhuvan International Airport remains closed, while India has issued a safety advisory for its citizens in Nepal.
Protesters continue to occupy the streets, demanding that independent leader Balendra Shah be appointed interim prime minister. The movement now reflects not just anger over the social media ban, but also resentment against “nepo kids” and corruption among elites. With the crisis deepening, the likelihood of early elections in Nepal has grown stronger.
