KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9 following demands from the military and widespread public outrage over a social media ban, rampant corruption and a subsequent violent crackdown on protesters. The resignation came as violent protests raged for a second consecutive day, with demonstrators demanding Oli’s ouster and the dismissal of his government.
The crisis escalated after the government’s announcement to lift a two-day-long ban on social media platforms failed to quell public fury. Demonstrations intensified with protesters taking to the streets to condemn the deaths of 20 people and injuries to over 250 on September 8. The large-scale protests, led by Gen Z activists, have rocked the nation’s capital and other major cities.
According to sources within the Nepal Army, Prime Minister Oli had sought military assistance from Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel to control the deteriorating situation and secure a safe exit from his official residence. However, General Sigdel reportedly advised Oli to step down, asserting that the military could only stabilize the nation if he relinquished power.
Nepal protesters set party offices, PM’s private house ablaze, Tribhuvan Airport closed
Nepal’s protesters set ruling party offices, PM Oli’s house in Balkot, and buildings in Janakpur on fire as violent protests in Kathmandu continued on Tuesday.
As per The Himalayan Times, demonstrators gathered near Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot, demanding accountability for Monday’s fatalities. During the protest, demonstrators set fire to the residence.
The central office of the Nepali Congress in Sanepa was vandalised on the afternoon of September 9, The Himalayan Times reported. Protesters have also vandalized the homes of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha.
Protesters have attacked political party office of the CPN-UML in Chyasal, Lalitpur. Protesters broke windows, threw stones, and set fire to the building, as part of demonstrations against corruption following the death of 19 protestors on Monday.
According to reports, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. Although authorities stated that security forces had been instructed to exercise restraint and that no live ammunition was authorized, there were reports of gunfire and bullet injuries, as per The Himalayan Times.
The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has been fully closed following escalating demonstrations. The Nepali Army has been deployed to provide security at the airport.
As per The Kathmandu Post, protesters set fire to the house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, pelted stones at the residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel and attacked the house of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Nepal protestors torch President’s residence
Nepal’s demonstrators vandalized the private residence of President Ramchandra Paudel in Bohratar, Kathmandu, on Tuesday, reportedly setting parts of the property on fire, as per The Himalayan Times.
At least 19 people were killed and over 200 people were injured during ‘Gen Z’ protests across Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal triggered by a social media ban. The ban was lifted by the government late last night.
