Kathmandu [Nepal], September 9 (ANI): Nepal is grappling with its most severe political crisis in years after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, following two days of violent, youth-led protests that left at least 19 people dead and over 500 injured. President Ramchandra Paudel officially accepted Oli’s resignation, The Himalayan Times reported.
The unprecedented demonstrations, driven largely by Gen Z youths, erupted after the government imposed a ban on 26 major social media platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube — citing tax and cybersecurity concerns. Citizens viewed the move as an attack on free speech and an attempt to suppress dissent. The ban was lifted late Monday night after violent clashes, but protests quickly reignited, fueled by allegations of corruption, nepotism, and police misconduct.
Escalation and Violence
Protesters stormed Kathmandu’s Singha Durbar, the country’s central administrative complex, after breaking through its western gate. Demonstrators also set fire to ruling party offices, Oli’s private residence in Balkot, and buildings in Janakpur. In Sanepa, the central office of the Nepali Congress was vandalized, while homes of senior leaders — including Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Paudel, Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak — were attacked.
The CPN-UML office in Lalitpur was also vandalized. According to The Himalayan Times, protesters smashed windows, pelted stones, and torched buildings, while police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Despite official denials, reports surfaced of gunfire and bullet injuries.
With tensions spiraling, authorities imposed curfews in Kathmandu and other major cities. Tribhuvan International Airport was closed, and the Nepali Army was deployed to secure critical sites.
Political Pressure Mounts
The protests intensified pressure on Oli’s government. Even as curfews were enforced, demonstrators surrounded Nakkhu Prison, demanding the release of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, who is detained in a cooperative savings case. In a widely shared video, Lamichhane addressed protesters from prison, further galvanizing support.
In response to the crisis, senior government officials issued a rare joint appeal urging calm. The statement, signed by top civil, police, military, and intelligence chiefs, offered condolences to victims’ families and called for “restraint and dialogue to prevent further loss of life and property.”
Mayor Balen and Indian Embassy Intervene
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, appealed directly to Gen Z protesters in a Facebook post:
“Dear Gen Z, your demand for the resignation of the government has been met. Now it is time to remain restrained. The loss of the country’s wealth is, in reality, a loss of our own property.” He urged youth to engage constructively in shaping Nepal’s political future, warning against destructive escalation.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued a travel advisory, asking Indian nationals to defer travel until stability returns. Citizens already in Nepal were urged to shelter indoors and follow local advisories. Emergency contact numbers were circulated, while airline IndiGo announced the suspension of all flights to and from Kathmandu due to the airport’s closure.
Roots of the Gen Z Protest
The Gen Z-led movement reflects deep-seated frustrations over corruption, inequality, and economic stagnation. The recent social media ban acted as a flashpoint, while revelations on the “Nepo Babies” trend — showcasing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children — amplified anger.
Adding to discontent, Nepal’s jobs crisis sees nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country daily in search of employment abroad, leaving many to accuse leaders of ignoring youth aspirations.
Uncertain Road Ahead
With Oli’s resignation accepted and political leadership in flux, Nepal’s future remains uncertain. The government has appealed for peace and dialogue, but protest leaders show no signs of backing down. For now, the Gen Z movement continues to reshape Nepal’s streets — and its political destiny. (ANI)
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