Prime Minister Resigns Amid Escalating Violence and Protests in Nepal

In Kathmandu, Nepal, Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has resigned amid ongoing violence from protests that have entered their second day. The unrest, which has already claimed the lives of 19 individuals, escalated when demonstrators targeted President Ram Chandra Poudel's private residence and attempted to enter the Parliament building.

These protests have been primarily driven by student organizations that defy restrictions on public gatherings, demanding Oli’s resignation while citing issues of corruption and authoritarian practices. Demonstrators have blocked roads with burning tires and chanted slogans highlighting their frustrations with the government, including calls for punishing corrupt officials. The protests have spread across multiple districts, stirring significant crowds in areas such as Kalanki and Baneshwor of Kathmandu, as well as the Lalitpur district.

In Lalitpur, the protests took a more confrontational turn as participants threw stones at the home of Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. This minister was previously involved in imposing a social media ban, which further fueled public outrage. Demonstrators also vandalized properties of former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sher Bahadur Deuba, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with political leadership.

The protests intensified significantly following a police crackdown on September 8, which resulted in deadly confrontations that left many injured and dead. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured, reflecting the severity of the situation. In a response to the unrest, local authorities have declared indefinite curfews in key cities and suspended school operations.

Central to the ongoing protests is the government’s initiative to legislate stricter controls over social media, which critics argue will undermine free speech. The proposed legislation mandates that social media platforms register locally – an effort seen by many as a tactic to silence dissent. While only a few platforms have complied with similar regulations, there is widespread concern that these measures could signify a greater encroachment on democratic rights in Nepal.