Nepal’s Prime Minister Resigns After 19 Killed in Violent Protests Over Social Media Ban, Corruption
Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned on Tuesday following days of nationwide unrest sparked by a controversial social media ban and deepening public anger over corruption and inequality among the country’s political elite.
The unrest — dubbed the “Gen Z Protests” — was initially triggered by the government’s sudden decision to block major platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, citing failure by tech companies to register with the state and submit to oversight.
Though the ban was lifted on Tuesday, protests escalated into a broader anti-government movement, with demonstrators targeting high-profile leaders, vandalizing government buildings, and setting fire to the homes of top politicians, including the prime minister’s private residence.
At least 19 protesters were killed after police opened fire on crowds in Kathmandu on Monday. According to doctors at the National Trauma Center, many victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Dozens remain hospitalized in critical condition.
The violence forced authorities to impose curfews in the capital and other major cities, while schools in Kathmandu were closed. Still, thousands defied orders and continued to occupy the streets, chanting:
“Stop killing children. End corruption. Bring justice.”
In a dramatic turn, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu was closed amid the chaos, and army helicopters were deployed to evacuate key ministers to secure locations.
Protesters also set fire to the residences of:
- The President of Nepal
- The Home Minister
- The leader of the ruling Nepali Congress
- The head of the opposition Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)
Despite the destruction, Prime Minister Oli’s family was unharmed as they were staying at the official residence.
The protests have been largely led by young people, frustrated by years of economic stagnation and elite privilege. With youth unemployment at 20% (World Bank, 2024), over 2,000 young Nepalis leave the country daily in search of work, mainly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
“The country has gotten so bad that for us youths, there’s no reason to stay,” said Bishnu Thapa Chetri, a student protester.
“This is not just about social media. It’s about corruption, inequality, and being silenced.”
Much of the public anger has been directed at the children of political elites — often dubbed “Nepo Kids” — who are seen living in luxury while the majority struggle.
Before announcing his resignation, Oli promised an investigation into the police shootings and vowed compensation for victims’ families, as well as free medical care for the injured. A report was due within 15 days, he said.
However, the pledge did little to calm public outrage.
“We are here to see justice done and the present regime ousted,” said protester Narayan Acharya, standing outside a damaged wall of the Parliament building.
The protests have drawn further scrutiny over a controversial social media regulation bill, which critics say is a thinly veiled attempt at censorship.
If passed, the law would require all social platforms to:
- Register officially with Nepal’s government
- Appoint in-country representatives
- Submit to local oversight
Meta, Google, and Elon Musk’s X have not responded to the regulation or recent events. TikTok, Viber, and three other platforms have complied and were not affected by the initial ban.
Nepal previously banned TikTok in 2023, citing concerns over “social harmony” and explicit content. The ban was reversed after TikTok agreed to local regulations, including a 2018 law banning pornographic websites.
International rights groups have condemned the Nepali government’s actions, warning that the proposed bill and internet shutdowns violate freedom of expression and fundamental human rights.
As Nepal grapples with its deadliest protests in recent history, the world is now watching how the country’s fragile democracy navigates this moment of reckoning.
