Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Resigns Amid Deadly Gen Z Protests Triggered by Social Media Ban
Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad “KP” Sharma Oli has resigned after two days of violent protests spearheaded by young people that left at least 19 people dead and hundreds more hurt. The protests were started by a broad government ban on social media to stop hate speech and false information.
Also read: Russia’s Enteromix mRNA Cancer Vaccine Achieves 100% Efficacy in Clinical Trials
The Gen Z protests, which were mostly planned on TikTok and other sites, spread across the country after the authorities shut 26 sites, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Reddit, because they didn’t follow new registration rules.
View this post on Instagram
Despite lifting the ban following Monday’s fatal clashes, protests intensified on Tuesday. Demonstrators defied curfews, rampaged through Kathmandu’s streets, set fire to politician residences—including the homes of PM Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel—and even breached the Singha Durbar administrative complex. With conditions worsening, PM Oli submitted his resignation to President Ram Chandra Poudel, citing the “extraordinary situation” and a need for political resolution under constitutional norms.
View this post on Instagram
In response, President Poudel has formally accepted the resignation and initiated the process to appoint a successor.
The protests, predominantly led by youth and students, also claimed the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who stepped down on September 8, “taking moral responsibility” for the deadly police crackdown.
Also read: Who is Ashish Kapoor? TV Actor from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Arrested in Alleged Rape Case
Authorities have imposed indefinite curfews in major cities, including Kathmandu, Birgunj, Pokhara, and Itahari, while an investigation panel is being formed to examine the causes behind the bloodshed. The government also pledged compensation and free medical treatment for the victims for the lies.
This crisis marks the end of Oli’s fourth prime ministerial term, which began on July 15, 2024. His resignation underscores the volatile intersection of youth activism, social media governance, and entrenched corruption in Nepal’s fragile political landscape.
Recent Post
