Turmoil in Nepal: Prime Minister Resigns Amid Protests
Nepal’s Prime Minister has stepped down following intense protests, which escalated into violence, including the burning of homes belonging to prominent political figures. This unrest primarily stemmed from public frustration over a government ban related to social media and issues of corruption.
Khadga Prasad Oli’s resignation occurred just a day after police fired on demonstrators, resulting in 19 fatalities in the capital, Kathmandu. In a message to President Ram Chandra Poudel, Oli expressed that his resignation was intended to find a political solution in accordance with the constitution amid the country’s ongoing troubles.
Among the properties affected by the protests was the Poudel residence, with additional targets including the home of Shah Bahadur Deuba, a key political leader, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
As the tensions grew, eyewitness accounts indicated that military helicopters were deployed to evacuate some government officials, while Kathmandu’s airport was temporarily shut due to smoke from nearby fires.
The unrest was fueled by government attempts to regulate social media through new legislation, which critics viewed as an attempt to silence dissent. Consequently, popular platforms like Facebook and YouTube were blocked last week for not complying with the new directive requiring government oversight.
Although the ban was lifted early Tuesday, curfews were imposed in the capital and elsewhere, with schools closing down. Despite these measures, protests persisted, with demonstrators reportedly clashing with riot police.
“Stop the government murders. We cannot let this go on,” protesters were heard shouting. In turn, police urged crowds to disperse using loudspeakers.
The political environment was further impacted by Home Minister Ramesh Rekha’s resignation following an emergency cabinet meeting, which reflected growing public anger over government corruption amidst the ongoing crisis.
Oli, who had just begun his fourth term last July, had previously emphasized the importance of dialogue to resolve the escalating issues before stepping down. The Nepal Army acknowledged his resignation and called for citizens to remain calm to prevent further violence.
The “Z’s protest,” as it has been dubbed, began in opposition to the social media ban but was soon fueled by broader sentiments of frustration aimed at the political establishment. One student, Vishnu Thapa Chetri, expressed disillusionment, saying, “There seems to be no future for our youth in this country.”
