Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned as nationwide unrest erupted over the deaths of at least 19 anti-corruption protesters during clashes with police, plunging the country into chaos. Demonstrations, sparked initially by a social media ban, escalated on Monday and Tuesday, with protesters attacking parliament, government buildings, and the homes of political leaders across Kathmandu and other districts.
On Tuesday, three additional deaths were reported, and authorities confirmed that 900 inmates escaped from two prisons in western Nepal amid the turmoil. Despite the prime minister stepping down, the country faces uncertainty over who will assume leadership, as ministers and officials reportedly sought refuge with security forces.
Protesters, largely young people rallying under anti-corruption slogans, stormed parliament, broke windows, set fires, and spray-painted graffiti, celebrating what they view as a long-overdue challenge to entrenched political corruption. “It has happened now and we are more than happy to witness this and fight for this,” said Kathmandu resident Muna Shreshta, 20, reflecting public sentiment.
The demonstrations were triggered by the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, in a bid to curb fake news, hate speech, and online fraud. Although the ban was lifted on Monday evening, the protests had already gained momentum, drawing attention to wider grievances including perceived corruption among political elites and lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children.
Oli, 73, who has served four terms as prime minister and leads the Communist Party, submitted his resignation to President Ramchandra Paudel to allow for a “constitutional solution” to the crisis. President Paudel accepted the resignation and has begun discussions on appointing a new leader.
The unrest has raised fears of further violence, with the Nepal Army warning that security forces may be compelled to take control if the situation deteriorates further. The nation now faces a period of political instability, as calls for reform and accountability from the younger generation grow louder.
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