Daijiworld Media Network – Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Sep 9: Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday following days of violent student-led protests that shook the Himalayan nation. The announcement came hours after enraged demonstrators stormed into his office shouting anti-government slogans and torched his private residence in Balkot. Reports suggest Oli is preparing to flee Nepal.
The wave of protests, led largely by Gen Z activists, erupted after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X. The crackdown triggered massive outrage as young Nepalis accused leaders of corruption and misuse of power. At least 19 people, including a 12-year-old student, were killed and more than 300 injured on Monday when police opened fire and used tear gas to disperse crowds.
Late Monday night, the government revoked the controversial ban in an attempt to pacify demonstrators, but the anger spilled over into Tuesday with calls for Oli’s resignation and formation of a national government.
Protesters accused politicians of living lavish lifestyles at public expense while ordinary citizens struggle for jobs and opportunities. “The protest was intended, first and foremost, against rampant corruption in government,” a demonstrator told Reuters, signing off as “a concerned Nepali citizen.”
Oli, 73, sworn in for a fourth term just last year, expressed sadness over the violence, blaming “infiltration from selfish centres,” but did not directly address the corruption allegations. Two cabinet colleagues resigned on Monday, citing moral grounds.
The crisis has drawn international concern. India urged all sides to exercise restraint and resolve issues peacefully. In a joint statement, the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea, UK, Norway, Germany, and the US expressed sorrow over the deaths and called on all parties to avoid escalation while safeguarding fundamental rights.
The unprecedented youth-led protests, branded as the Gen Z movement, have reshaped Nepal’s political discourse, putting corruption, free speech, and accountability at the centre of national debate.