Kathmandu, 9 September (H.S.):
Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday amidst escalating violent protests led primarily by the youth, popularly known as the Gen Z protests. The unrest was triggered by the government’s ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, initially imposed on September 4, 2025, sparking widespread outrage. Despite lifting the ban on Tuesday morning, protests continued fiercely for a second day, demanding Oli’s ouster and the dismissal of the government following police crackdown that killed at least 20 people and injured over 250 on Monday.
Oli had appealed for peace, urging protesters to seek dialogue and announced an all-party meeting scheduled for 6 pm to address the crisis. However, security deteriorated rapidly as protesters attacked and set fire to Nepal’s Parliament building, as well as the private residences of the Prime Minister and President Ram Chandra Poudel, alongside homes of senior political leaders. The situation intensified with the army deploying helicopters to evacuate key government ministers from Kathmandu amid curfews in place across the capital region.
Reports reveal that Oli sought military assistance to control the crisis and secure his safe exit from the Prime Minister’s residence. However, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel reportedly told Oli that the army could only restore order if he resigned, a demand Oli accepted by stepping down. Sources indicate Oli plans to seek asylum in Dubai under medical pretenses, with private flights arranged for his departure.
The letter essentially states: Respectable President, I, K.P. Sharma Oli, who was appointed as Prime Minister as per Article 76(2) of the Constitution of Nepal on Ashar 31, 2071, am hereby submitting my resignation from the post of Prime Minister, considering the current unusual circumstances and constitutional complexities and to facilitate constitutional and political resolution as per Article 77(1), effective immediately.
Prior to his resignation, three cabinet ministers, including the Home and Agriculture Ministers, resigned in protest against the violent response to the demonstrators. The protests have been widely fueled by grievances over alleged corruption, governmental authoritarianism, and economic difficulties, with social media shutdown seen as a catalyst for mobilizing youth anger.
The crisis remains volatile with ongoing clashes, suspended flights at Tribhuvan International Airport due to protester disruptions, and widespread security operations across Kathmandu. The resignation marks a significant political upheaval in Nepal triggered by unprecedented Gen Z mobilization and army intervention, the full political impact of which is yet to unfold.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
