Nepal plunged into a political crisis this week after unprecedented youth-led protests – triggered by a sweeping social media ban and anger over corruption – turned violent in Kathmandu and several other cities.What began as peaceful demonstrations, mainly by gen-Z protesters, escalated into full-blown unrest on Monday, prompting a late-night policy u-turn and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday. The government, which had banned access to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube among 26 social media platforms, lifted the restrictions hours after police opened fire on demonstrators, killing at least 19 and injuring over 100, according to news agencies.
Here are the top developments
PM KP Sharma Oli resigns amid pressure
Facing mounting public anger and political pressure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday. “I am stepping down immediately,” Oli said in a statement, adding that a committee would investigate the violence and report within 15 days. His decision followed a wave of arson attacks targeting homes of top leaders, including his own residence.Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel accepted Oil’s resignation as prime minister, a presidential aide said, as reported by the agaencies.
Residences of top leaders attacked
In one of the most symbolic acts of public anger, protesters set fire to homes of several top leaders, including president of Nepal largest party Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba, President Ram Chandra Poudel, home minister Ramesh Lekhak, and former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Maoist Centre). A private school run by foreign minister Arzu Deuba Rana, Deuba’s wife, was also torched. Along with the houses, several offices of most mainstream political parties have also been ransacked.
India-Nepal border on high alert
Security was tightened along the India-Nepal border at Panitanki, near West Bengal, following reports of potential spillover unrest. SP Praveen Prakash told ANI: “A police post has been set up here with deployment of force. We are on alert mode and monitoring the situation.”
International airport shut down over security concerns
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal’s only international gateway, suspended all flights on Tuesday, citing “serious security threats and unprecedented circumstances,” according to The Himalayan Times. Travellers were advised not to approach the airport area, and inbound flights were diverted.
Army called in, ministers airlifted
With escalating violence and attacks on official residences, the Nepal army deployed helicopters to airlift ministers and senior officials from high-risk zones in Kathmandu. The move followed reports of mobs attempting to storm government buildings, The protesters also breached the country’s parliament.
Mob attacks finance minister
As the protest continues a video emerged on Tuesday on social media showing finance minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel being chased and assaulted by protesters on a public road.
19 dead, over 100 Injured in police firing
According to hospital officials and reports by Reuters and AP, at least 19 people were killed in clashes, with over 100 injured- including journalists. This marked one of the deadliest civilian uprisings in Nepal in over a decade, bringing global attention to the unfolding crisis.
Curfew imposed as clashes escalate
Authorities imposed curfews across key parts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and other major cities after protesters broke barricades near the parliament and clashed with security forces. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Despite the crackdown, protesters managed to torch government property and vandalise homes of senior politicians.
Home minister Ramesh Lekhak also steps down
In a late-night emergency cabinet meeting on Monday, home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking “moral responsibility” for the police action and breakdown of order. His resignation came shortly after the military was called in to assist with evacuations of ministers via helicopters from Bhaisepati.
Social media ban triggers widespread unrest
The immediate trigger for the protests was a government order banning around two dozen social media platforms citing the need for “regulation and accountability.” However, critics – including rights groups – called it a censorship attempt aimed at stifling dissent. Platforms like TikTok and Viber had already complied with local registration rules, but the broader ban affected widely used apps and was seen as disproportionate.
What next?
With Oli’s resignation and the ban lifted, attention now turns to Nepal’s political transition. A new prime minister will need to address demands for reforms while navigating a volatile public mood. Country’s President has began the hunt for the news leader. Meanwhile, the Gen-Z-led uprising marks a significant shift in Nepal’s civil movement space – one that experts say the political class can no longer ignore.(With inputs from agencies)
