Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli Resigns Amid Violent Protests and Social Media Ban

Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli Resigns Amid Violent Protests and Social Media Ban

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has resigned following violent protests and a temporary social media ban. The announcement was confirmed to Reuters by the Prime Minister’s aide, Prakash Silwal, who said, “The Prime Minister has submitted his resignation.”

The decision comes after thousands of people in the capital, Kathmandu, defied curfew orders to protest. During clashes between police and protesters, 19 people were killed and dozens were injured. Protesters attempted to march towards the Parliament building, prompting police to use tear gas, rubber bullets, and baton charges to disperse them. The situation escalated further when some demonstrators attacked politicians’ homes and set fires at multiple locations.

Following the fatalities, the government lifted the social media restrictions that had blocked 26 major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Authorities had imposed the ban to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech, but the public viewed it as an attack on freedom of expression.

Before resigning, PM Oli stated, “We must find solutions to all problems through peaceful dialogue. Violence is not in Nepal’s interest.”

Political analysts say the crisis highlights public anger over corruption, unemployment, and political instability in Nepal. The country now faces a new political crisis, with various parties engaged in negotiations to determine the way forward.