Nepal has been dived into deep political turmoil after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Sunday after days of violent anti-corruption protests that defied curfews and left a minimum of 19 people dead and more than 300 injured.
The unrest started after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including X, Facebook, etc, due to registration issues. However, the decision backfired as demonstrators (mostly Gen Z) blamed the government for trying to silence dissent. Moreover, protestors clashed with the security force outside parliament in Kathmandu and forced Oli’s government to lift the ban late Monday.
Despite the reversal, the protest intensified with demonstrators torching tyres and vandalizing the residences of Ministers. Moreover, they chanted slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (“KP thief, leave the country”). Plus, homes of several ministers were set ablaze that forcing ministers to be airlifted to safety by army helicopters.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Steps Down After Army Pressure
As per the officials, Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel requested Oli to resign by warning that the ministry could only stabilize the country once he stepped down. Moreover, sources revealed that Oli also urged army assistance for a safe passage out of his residence in Baluwatar. However, he might also leave for Dubai under the pretext of medical treatment.
Oli stated in a resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel, “In view of the adverse conditions in the nation, I have resigned effective today to boost the solution of the problem and to help resolve it politically with the constitution.”
The President has also accepted the resignation and started discussions for appointing the new leader for the nation. Moreover, the army urged protestors to be calm as the resignation is accepted through X.
Youth-Led Movement Against Corruption
Nepali Gen Z activists spearhead the protest, who have been vocal on platforms such as Instagram and Reddit. Moreover, they have also exposed the lavish lifestyle of the politician’s families and questioned their wealth.
Despite the curfew, thousands took to the streets in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. Moreover, eyewitnesses reported that protestors used fireworks, drones, and laser beams near the airport to disrupt government evacuations.
Uncertain Road Ahead
The resignation of Oli is the 14th leadership change since Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008. So, it highlights the ongoing political instability of the nation. Now, the country is set to face the challenge of restoring calm and addressing the demands of protestors.
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