Nepal in Turmoil: Prime Minister Resigns Amid Deadly Protests, 500 Dead
Nepal's Prime Minister resigns after deadly, Gen Z-led protests over corruption and a social media ban. The unrest left 500 dead and led to the torching of government buildings.
Nepal is reeling from a wave of violent protests that have toppled the government, with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigning today, following days of unrest that left at least 500 people dead and at least 100 injured. The demonstrations, dubbed the "Gen Z protests" and largely organized by young students and activists, erupted over widespread corruption allegations and a controversial social media ban, spiraling into chaos with protesters storming Parliament and setting fire to government buildings.
The crisis began on September 7 when the Nepalese government imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, citing national security concerns amid rising online dissent against corruption. This move, perceived as an attempt to silence critics, ignited fury among the country's youth, who took to the streets in Kathmandu and other cities, defying an indefinite curfew and clashing with riot police. Security forces responded with tear gas and live ammunition, leading to the deaths of at least 19 protesters, including several shot by police, as confirmed by multiple reports. Hospitals in Kathmandu struggled to treat the wounded amid the chaos, with over 100 injuries reported.
By Monday evening, protesters had breached the Federal Parliament building, setting it ablaze in a dramatic escalation. Videos circulating on social media, now back online after the ban was lifted early Tuesday, show black smoke billowing from the structure, with demonstrators chanting against corruption and celebrating the storming of the site. Other targets included the private residence of former Prime Minister Oli in Bhaktapur, which was torched, and homes of top leaders from the Nepali Congress party. The Energy Minister's house was also set on fire, and reports emerged of the Foreign Minister being assaulted on the road. Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily closed due to the unrest, stranding travelers. Two IndiGo flights, 6E1153 from Delhi and 6E1157 from Mumbai, were diverted to Lucknow after being denied landing permission, as reported by Open Source Intel.
Oli's resignation, announced by his aide today (Tuesday), came hours after three ministers, including the Home Minister, stepped down amid the spiraling violence. Protesters celebrated the move, with some describing it as a "victory for democracy" akin to recent uprisings in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Social media posts from the scene show helicopters evacuating officials amid thick smoke, and crowds chanting slogans against the government. One viral video depicts protesters inside the President's private residence, which they briefly occupied before setting parts of it on fire.
Nepalese officials are now fleeing the capital’s airport.
Protesters are seen in a video beating Nepal's Finance Minister.
There are also unverified videos of the Prime Minister fleeing by helicopter.
The protests stem from deep-seated frustrations over corruption scandals, economic woes, and perceived government overreach. Youth activists have accused Oli's administration of cronyism and stifling free speech, with the social media ban serving as a flashpoint. The UN Human Rights Office has called for a "prompt, transparent investigation" into the killings of protesters, while Amnesty International demanded accountability for the "deadly crackdown." The UN also offered assistance to Nepal following the violence.
Internationally, India has urged its nationals in Nepal to exercise caution and adhere to safety advisories, citing the volatile situation. The events have drawn parallels to recent "democracy movements" in neighboring countries, with some online commentary hailing Nepal's youth for forcing change. However, concerns linger about potential instability, with reports of Oli preparing to flee to Dubai before his resignation.
As Nepal transitions to an interim government, the streets of Kathmandu remain tense, with protesters defying curfews and demanding broader reforms. The lifting of the social media ban has allowed real-time updates to flood platforms, amplifying calls for justice and transparency.