Nepal’s prime minister resigns as anti-corruption protesters in Nepal defy curfew, government lifts social media ban

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday after a second day of violent demonstrations swept the capital, leaving at least 19 people dead and dozens of government buildings in flames.

The unrest erupted Monday when security forces opened fire on protesters, many of them young demonstrators angry over corruption and social inequality. The clashes triggered a wave of resignations from lawmakers and cabinet members as protesters overwhelmed security forces across Kathmandu.

Authorities had lifted a week-long ban on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram earlier on Tuesday, while imposing an indefinite curfew across the capital. But neither measure prevented renewed protests, which quickly escalated into mass attacks on political offices and leaders’ homes.

Government Buildings Set Ablaze
Crowds stormed the main government administrative complex housing Oli’s office, torching parts of the building and setting fire to residences of former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Police stations and party headquarters, including those of Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal and the opposition Nepali Congress, were also destroyed.

Videos shared online showed helicopters evacuating ministers from government offices as security forces struggled to contain the unrest. Former home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned Monday, taking responsibility for the deaths. His home, along with other party offices, was later burned to the ground.

Flights Canceled, Curfew Imposed
Domestic flights from Kathmandu’s international airport were canceled amid reports of arson near the perimeter. Authorities enforced an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu, shutting schools, shops, and banning public gatherings. Neighboring Lalitpur district also imposed a curfew until midnight.

Despite restrictions, protesters continued to gather near parliament, chanting anti-government slogans and burning tires along the Ring Road. Many demonstrations, organizers said, were led by Gen Z activists frustrated by persistent corruption and a lack of economic opportunities.

Social Media Ban Sparked Uprising
The protests began last week after the government blocked access to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, saying the platforms had not complied with registration rules. The ban fueled widespread anger and quickly evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. The ban was lifted after Monday’s violence, but anger against Oli’s government persisted.

International Reaction and Next Steps
India, home to hundreds of thousands of Nepali migrant workers, said it was closely monitoring the situation. “We hope all concerned will exercise restraint and resolve issues through peaceful means,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

In a late-night address, Oli expressed sorrow over the violence, blaming “infiltration from selfish groups” for the unrest. He pledged compensation for victims’ families and free medical treatment for the injured, and announced the formation of an investigation panel to assess damages and recommend reforms within 15 days.

Oli, 73, had been serving his fourth term as prime minister since July last year. His resignation marks Nepal’s latest political crisis since the monarchy was abolished in 2008.