Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned following two consecutive days of violent protests. Despite attempts to lift social media restrictions to quell the demonstrations, the situation quickly escalated beyond control. Led by Generation Z, young protesters intensified the unrest, resulting in widespread arson and vandalism across the capital and other regions.
Protesters set fire to Prime Minister Oli’s private residence, though he survived as he was staying at the official Baluwatar residence at the time. The residence of President Ram Chandra Paudel was also targeted. Videos circulating on social media show extensive destruction and fire damage to homes and properties.
Not only the current Prime Minister and President, but senior leaders of the ruling party as well as former officials became targets of the protests. Communication Minister Preeti Subba Gurung’s house was torched, while Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel’s residence was pelted with stones. Former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba also had their homes vandalized. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Deepak Khadka’s house was completely burned down.
On Tuesday, thousands of citizens took to the streets not only against the social media ban but also to protest widespread government corruption, nepotism, and political dynasties. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “No to corruption, yes to social media” and criticized leaders’ children receiving undue privileges.
Earlier, tensions escalated when an enraged crowd stormed the parliament, setting fires that resulted in casualties. At least 19 people were killed in clashes with police, adding a new level of intensity to the movement.
Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans such as “Stop corruption, not social media” and “Youth against corruption.” They warned that the movement would expand if government corruption and repression continued.
One protester, Narayan Acharya, said, “Our young brothers have lost their lives; we demand justice. The struggle will continue until this government is overthrown.” Another demonstrator, Durganath Dahal, alleged, “Countless young lives are being lost due to Oli’s oppressive policies. Ordinary citizens will never feel secure as long as this government remains in power.”
Even after Oli’s resignation, tensions in Nepal remain high, raising concerns over further nationwide unrest.
Source: NTV.