Nepal’s Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday amid violent protests against government corruption, which defied an indefinite curfew.
The protests erupted after a social media ban was lifted following clashes between demonstrators and the police, leading to 19 deaths and over 100 injuries when police used tear gas and rubber bullets on Monday. This unrest is described as the worst in decades and has aggravated the ongoing political instability in the country since the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
Oli had convened a meeting with all political parties, calling for peaceful dialogue to address issues. However, anger against the government continued, with protesters gathering in Kathmandu, setting fires, throwing stones at police, and trying to disrupt the curfew.
Supporters from towns near the India-Nepal border began marching to the capital. There were reports of protesters attacking politicians’ homes, and some ministers were reportedly evacuated by military helicopters.
“We are still standing here for our future … We want this country corruption-free so that everyone can easily access education, hospitals, medical (facilities) … and for a bright future,” protester Robin Sreshtha told Reuters TV.
Arrival of planes from the southern side at Kathmandu airport, Nepal’s main international gateway, was closed because of poor visibility due to the smoke from fires set by protesters in areas nearby, aviation authority official Gyanendra Bhul said.
Organisers of the protests, which spread to other cities in the Himalayan country, have called them “demonstrations by Gen Z”, driven by young people’s widespread frustration with the government’s perceived lack of action to tackle corruption and boost economic opportunities.
With information from Reuters
