Nepal Premier Steps Down Amid Protests
(MENAFN) Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down on Tuesday amid escalating unrest in Kathmandu, where widespread protests have plunged the capital into chaos and left at least 19 people dead.
The resignation came just hours after demonstrators torched the official residences of both the prime minister and the vice president, prompting the Nepalese army to relocate Oli and six of his ministers to a secure, undisclosed location.
What began as peaceful demonstrations morphed into the country’s most violent civil unrest in decades, after the government imposed — and then revoked — a sweeping ban on major social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X on Monday.
Anger exploded in the streets Tuesday, with protesters — many in their teens and early 20s — setting fire to government buildings. Smoke was seen billowing from Nepal’s parliament, and local media reported that mobs looted several ministers' homes.
Authorities confirmed 19 fatalities in Kathmandu alone, along with approximately 400 injuries, over 100 of which involved law enforcement officers.
Media quoted a 20-year-old protester saying, “I joined for a peaceful protest, but the government responded with violence.”
The crisis marks the worst political violence Nepal has seen since the abolition of its Hindu monarchy in 2008. The country has since struggled with chronic instability and economic fragility.
The Russian Embassy in Kathmandu urged tourists to contact their hotel representatives for assistance in evacuating, recommending three designated escape routes as a strict curfew remains in effect.
To support foreigners trying to leave the country, Nepal’s tourism board and national police introduced shuttle buses headed to the airport. Several international flights were seen circling above the capital as Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily closed earlier Tuesday.
In a statement, the Indian Foreign Ministry expressed concern: “We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives.”
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