Nepal’s Prime Minister Resigns Amid Deadly Protests and Curfew

Lead Armed forces secured Kathmandu under an indefinite curfew on Wednesday after anti-corruption demonstrations led Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to step down.

Nut Graf Oli’s resignation follows two days of violent protests triggered by a reversed social media ban and public outrage over corruption, marking Nepal’s worst unrest in decades and prompting military patrols to restore order.

Military Patrols and Curfew Enforced

• Soldiers unrolled across empty streets surrounding Singha Durbar, the government complex, as shops remained shuttered and civilians stayed indoors.
• Prohibitory orders are set to last until Thursday morning while authorities negotiate with protest leaders.

Roots of the Unrest

Protesters-largely young Nepalese frustrated by stagnant economic opportunities and entrenched graft-took to the streets Monday when police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds demanding the lifting of a social media ban and anti-corruption action.

Flames at Government Sites

• Demonstrators torched the main hall of parliament, singed vehicles, and set fire to ministry buildings and the prime minister’s residence.
• Army firefighters worked through the night to control blazes in state offices.

Political Fallout

Oli announced his resignation “to take further steps towards a political solution” after at least 19 people were killed in Monday’s crackdown. Former Supreme Court judge Balaram K.C. has called for fresh elections and the formation of a caretaker government.

Regional Response

India convened its security cabinet to monitor developments, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Nepalese citizens to “uphold peace and order” on social media.

Looking Ahead

Negotiations between government officials and protest representatives are reportedly underway, though details remain scarce. The coming days will test Nepal’s fragile democracy as it seeks a caretaker administration and prepares for possible early elections.