Violent protests over social media ban and corruption erupt across Kathmandu, pushing the Prime Minister from power
What Sparked the Uprising?
- A social media ban targeting platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube ignited widespread anger—especially among Nepal’s Gen Z youth .
- Protesters marched across Nepal (including Kathmandu), demanding an end to corruption and nepotism, with slogans like:
- “Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media” .
Days of Chaos Lead to Resignation
- 19 protesters were killed in clashes with police, and 400+ injured across escalating violence .
- Demonstrators stormed government buildings, including Parliament, and set fire to the homes of PM Oli, President Poudel, and other senior officials .
- Under mounting pressure, PM KP Sharma Oli resigned, confirmed by his aide amid ongoing curfews and unrest .
Government Response and Fallout
- The social media ban was immediately lifted, though the decision came too late to quell the violence .
- The ruling coalition saw ministerial resignations, beginning with Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak .
- A high-level committee was formed to investigate the unrest, with victim compensation and medical assistance promised .
- The Army was deployed, and a curfew was enforced across Kathmandu and other major cities .
What’s Next for Nepal?
- Despite Oli’s resignation, the political future remains unstable. The President may also be pressured to step down, and a caretaker arrangement or new elections might follow .
- Nepal joins Sri Lanka (2022) and Bangladesh (2024) in South Asia, where popular uprisings have led to abrupt government exits—with active military role in restoration of order .
Summary Box
| Key Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Protest trigger | Social media ban |
| Escalation | 19 dead, 400+ injured; widespread arson and riots |
| Government response | Ban lifted, military deployed, curfews imposed |
| Outcome | PM KP Sharma Oli resigns; political transition begins |
As Nepal grapples with one of its most intense political crises in recent history, the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli marks a turning point. What began as a youth-led protest against a social media ban has now exposed deep-rooted anger over corruption and nepotism in the system. With public trust eroded and political leadership in flux, Nepal stands at a critical crossroads—where the demand for accountability and reform has never been louder.
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