Nepal’s political landscape was thrown into further turmoil on Tuesday as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from office, following violent protests that left 19 people dead and scores more injured. The demonstrations erupted over a controversial social media ban imposed by his government, which sparked outrage among citizens who viewed the measure as a threat to freedom of expression. Oli’s resignation, confirmed by his aide Prakash Silwal to Reuters, comes amid an atmosphere of national unrest, with protesters defying an indefinite curfew and clashing with police forces across Kathmandu and other cities.
In his resignation letter addressed to President Ram Chandra Paudel, Oli stated that he was stepping down with immediate effect “in order to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems […] taking into account the extraordinary situation currently prevailing in the country.” His departure initiates a process whereby the president must now begin consultations to appoint a new prime minister, according to Silwal.
The violent unrest that preceded Oli’s resignation began when his government attempted to restrict access to social media platforms, citing concerns over the spread of misinformation and public safety. Protesters, however, saw the move as an overreach and an attack on civil liberties. Tensions quickly escalated on Monday when demonstrators gathered near the parliament, attempting to breach security perimeters. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, sparking chaos and triggering fires at the homes of several politicians.
The scale of the unrest has shocked Nepal. With 19 confirmed deaths, authorities describe it as the deadliest political violence in decades. Hospitals across Kathmandu reported an influx of injured individuals, many suffering from gunshot wounds, blunt trauma, and smoke inhalation. Emergency services were overwhelmed, as first responders struggled to contain both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the ongoing clashes between police and civilians.
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli resigns after deadly protests triggered by social media ban
Oli’s resignation is a rare instance of a sitting Nepalese prime minister stepping down directly due to public pressure and civil unrest. Analysts suggest that the political instability in Nepal has deep roots. Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, the country has wrestled with governance challenges, frequent changes in leadership, and economic uncertainty. Oli himself has had a turbulent political career, previously dissolving parliament and clashing with coalition partners, which has contributed to public dissatisfaction with his administration.
In the wake of the social media ban and the ensuing unrest, Oli’s government moved to lift restrictions in an attempt to calm the situation. However, the lifting of the ban came too late to prevent the escalation that claimed lives and property. The curfew imposed in major cities has remained in effect to prevent further clashes, and security forces continue to maintain a heavy presence in key districts.
International observers and human rights organizations have condemned the violence and called for restraint on all sides. The European Union and the United Nations have urged Nepalese authorities to prioritize dialogue and protect citizens’ rights, while cautioning against the use of excessive force. The crisis has also drawn global media attention, highlighting the fragility of Nepal’s democratic institutions and the delicate balance between government control and civil liberties.
As the country processes Oli’s resignation, questions remain over who will succeed him and how the new leadership will address the underlying causes of the unrest. Political analysts emphasize that without meaningful reform, including measures to stabilize governance, bolster economic opportunities, and protect freedoms of expression, Nepal may continue to experience periodic upheaval.
For ordinary Nepalese, Oli’s resignation provides a temporary relief but does not resolve the deep political and social fissures that have led to decades of instability. The coming weeks will be crucial as the president consults with political parties to nominate a new prime minister, and as citizens hope for a return to stability and security after days of unprecedented violence.
Oli’s exit marks a dramatic moment in Nepalese politics, reflecting both the power of public protest in shaping leadership and the persistent fragility of governance in the Himalayan nation. As the country moves forward, it faces the dual challenge of restoring order while ensuring that the political system remains responsive to the will and welfare of its people.
Source – news-sky
