Nepal was thrown into political turmoil on Tuesday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following a wave of violent anti-government demonstrations across the country. The protests, largely led by young people and dubbed “Gen Z demonstrations,” erupted after the government imposed a nationwide social media ban, sparking anger over what many viewed as an attack on free expression. The demonstrations quickly escalated, with protesters storming the Prime Minister’s office, torching residences of senior ministers, and blocking major roads in Kathmandu. At least 19 people were killed in police firing on Monday, while hundreds more were injured, prompting widespread calls for accountability and political reform.
The unrest has severely disrupted life in Nepal, with Kathmandu International Airport partially closed, several flights diverted to India, and major events such as the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival postponed. Despite curfews and emergency orders, demonstrators continued to defy restrictions, chanting slogans like “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (“KP thief, leave the country”). Protesters also targeted the homes of top leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. As violence spread, multiple cabinet ministers, including those for Home Affairs, Water Supply, and Agriculture, tendered their resignations in protest against the government’s handling of the crisis.
India has expressed deep concern over the situation, placing its border with Nepal on high alert and urging all sides to exercise restraint and resolve disputes peacefully. The Oli government, before stepping down, had lifted the controversial ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other platforms, acknowledging that it had fueled unrest rather than containing it. Rights groups and international observers, including the United Nations, have called for an impartial investigation into the killings and urged Nepal’s political leaders to restore stability through dialogue. With the Prime Minister’s resignation, Nepal faces a critical test: whether it can address the frustrations of its younger generation and rebuild trust in its fragile democratic system.
