Nepal has been plunged into political and social turmoil after Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli tendered his resignation on Tuesday, following days of violent anti-government protests that have left the Himalayan nation in chaos.
The unrest, spearheaded by angry Gen Z demonstrators, was initially triggered by mounting frustrations over corruption, economic stagnation, and a controversial clampdown on social media platforms. Tensions exploded after security forces opened fire on protesters in Kathmandu and other cities, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 young demonstrators. The killings sent shockwaves through the country, sparking even fiercer resistance against the government.
On Monday night, furious crowds stormed the national parliament building in Kathmandu, setting parts of it ablaze while chanting anti-government slogans and demanding a complete overhaul of Nepal’s political system. Videos shared widely on underground online platforms showed flames engulfing the historic chamber, as police struggled to disperse thousands of demonstrators who had overrun barricades.
The violence also spilled into the streets, where protesters clashed with police, burned vehicles, and attacked government offices and the homes of senior politicians. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was infamously dragged along a street and assaulted by youths in one of the most dramatic images of the unrest, symbolizing the deep public anger against the ruling elite.
In a televised address before stepping down, Oli admitted the country was at a “dangerous crossroads” and said his resignation was necessary to restore order and allow dialogue. However, his departure has not calmed the situation. Protest leaders insist that mere resignations are not enough, demanding sweeping reforms, accountability for the killings, and a generational shift in governance.
As Nepal grapples with this unprecedented uprising, the death toll continues to rise, and international observers warn the crisis could spiral further without urgent mediation. For many of Nepal’s disillusioned youth, Oli’s resignation marks only the beginning of a broader fight to reclaim their future from a political class they accuse of greed, incompetence, and repression.
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