Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following two days of violent anti-corruption protests. The unrest, led by Gen Z demonstrators, claimed 19 lives in Kathmandu and other cities. The protests began over a social media ban but quickly transformed into a powerful call for political change.
Social Media Ban Sparks Gen Z Uprising
The unrest began after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X. Officials claimed the apps failed to register under new regulations. However, protesters saw this as an assault on free expression and a cover for corruption.
Students and young activists assembled at Maitighar Mandala and outside Parliament in Kathmandu. They chanted slogans like “Stop corruption, not social media.”
Violence Escalates; Death Toll and Resignations Follow
Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets—and live ammunition. By nightfall, 19 protesters had died, many of them students. At least 300 were injured.
Amid rising public anger, several senior officials stepped down. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on moral grounds. Later, the Agriculture and Health Ministers also offered resignations.
Targets within Government and Public Fury
As protests continued despite curfews, demonstrators attacked properties belonging to political leaders. They set fire to homes of Prime Minister Oli, President Ram Chandra Poudel, and senior officials. Party offices were also vandalized.
PM Oli pledged an investigation and relief for victims. Yet protesters demanded nothing less than his resignation and the formation of an independent anti-corruption body.
Political Fallout and Escalating Crisis
Today Oli officially resigned, acknowledging the mounting pressure and public fury.
Meanwhile, protesters defied curfews to continue rallying in Kathmandu. Demonstrators burned tires, clashed with police, and held candlelight vigils for the dead.
The government lifted the social media ban amid growing backlash. Still, public outrage remained high, deeply shaken by the government’s use of force.