Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned amid escalating protests triggered by police violence against demonstrators demanding an end to corruption and social media restrictions. His resignation is perceived as a measure to facilitate a constitutional resolution to the youth-led unrest.
The protests erupted following the government's controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, including popular sites like WhatsApp and Instagram, purportedly aimed at quelling anti-corruption campaigns. This ban was repealed amidst growing dissent but had already ignited widespread protests across major cities.
Thousands of youths, identifying as Gen Z, took to the streets in Kathmandu, resulting in violent clashes that left 21 dead and nearly 200 injured. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets as protestors breached security barriers to voice their frustrations at the government.
During the protests, demonstrators set fire to the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and vandalized the homes of several political figures, while many demanded substantial reforms in government accountability. The term #NepoKids has gained traction as youths express their disillusionment with a political elite perceived as detached from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
This agitation represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Nepal as the younger generation clamors for transparency and a more equitable system. What remains uncertain is whether these protests will lead to lasting change or further escalation of unrest as tensions simmer across the nation.
