KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned Tuesday as violent protests over a controversial social media ban escalated into a broader uprising against corruption and political elites.
The unrest — which began after the government blocked Facebook, X and YouTube, among other platforms — has left at least 19 people dead after police opened fire on demonstrators Monday.
Despite the government lifting the ban, tens of thousands of young protesters continued to pour into the streets, torching government buildings, party offices, and the homes of senior politicians.
Thick smoke billowed over Kathmandu as protesters set fire to the prime minister’s office, the presidential palace, and residences belonging to cabinet ministers and opposition leaders alike. Even Oli’s private home was attacked.
The army evacuated several ministers by helicopter as furious crowds chanted, “Stop corruption, not social media.”
Rage beyond the ban
While the government justified the ban on grounds that social media companies had failed to register locally, the demonstrations — quickly dubbed the “Gen Z protest” — tapped into deeper frustrations.
Many young Nepalis accuse political leaders of enriching themselves while ordinary citizens face limited opportunities.
With youth unemployment hovering at 20 percent and more than 2,000 young people leaving Nepal daily to seek jobs abroad, protesters railed against what they call the privilege of “nepo kids” — the children of politicians who live in luxury while most struggle.
“This is not just about social media,” said Bishnu Thapa Chetri, a student protester. “It is about massive corruption. There is no ground for us youths to stay.”
Violence against leaders
Videos circulating online showed former prime minister and ruling coalition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, being assaulted by crowds. Both were injured and had to be escorted to safety.
Protesters also attacked the headquarters of Nepal’s largest political parties, vandalising offices and burning vehicles.
“We are here to see that justice is done and the present regime is ousted,” said demonstrator Narayan Acharya outside Parliament. “K.P. Oli should be chased away.”
Government response
Before stepping down, Oli promised an inquiry into the police shootings and compensation for victims’ families.
President Ram Chandra Poudel, Nepal’s ceremonial head of state, urged calm and called for dialogue, while Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel pleaded with demonstrators in a video message to end the violence.
So far, the army has remained in barracks, though it warned in a statement that it stood ready to “preserve law and order” if required.
Censorship fears
The now-lifted social media restrictions were part of a draft bill requiring global tech companies to register and establish local liaison offices.
Rights groups say the plan is a thinly veiled attempt to curb free speech and silence critics.
Google, Meta and X did not respond to requests for comment. TikTok, which Nepal temporarily banned in 2023, has since complied with local laws and remains available.
For now, however, the country faces a leadership vacuum and surging public anger, with Oli reduced to a caretaker prime minister whose authority remains uncertain.
