Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigns
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned after one of the deadliest crackdowns on protesters in recent years, which left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured. In a letter to the president on Tuesday, KP Sharma Oli said he was stepping down “to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems.”
The unrest erupted after the government imposed a ban on several social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, in an attempt to curb dissent. The move sparked widespread anger among Nepal’s youth, who make up nearly 43 percent of the population and already face high unemployment and limited opportunities.
Despite a curfew, protesters flooded the streets of Kathmandu and other cities on Tuesday, clashing with police and setting fire to government buildings and politicians’ properties. According to Kathmandu police spokesman Shekhar Khanal, several groups openly defied restrictions, with reports of “fire and attacks” across the capital.
Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu during Monday’s clashes, while two others died in Sunsari district. More than 400 people were injured, including over 100 police officers. Amnesty International accused security forces of using live ammunition against demonstrators, while the United Nations called for a swift and transparent investigation.
The protests, driven by calls to end corruption and restore access to social media, intensified after viral TikTok videos highlighted the stark contrast between struggling ordinary citizens and the children of politicians flaunting wealth and luxury. Many demonstrators demanded accountability from leaders, with student activist Yujan Rajbhandari saying, “Nearly 20 people were murdered by the state — that shows the scale of police brutality. The government must take responsibility.”
Kp sharma Oli, 73, had ordered a probe into the violence and promised all-party talks to reach a “meaningful conclusion” but ultimately bowed to mounting pressure. His resignation followed that of the interior minister on Monday and two additional cabinet members on Tuesday.
The Himalayan nation of 30 million is now bracing for political uncertainty, as opposition parties and civil society groups call for immediate reforms.
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