Nepal's Prime Minister has quit amid deadly Gen Z Protests over a social media ban and alleged corruption

Nepal's Political Crisis Deepens as Prime Minister Resigns Amid Gen Z-Led Uprising

Kathmandu has erupted into chaos following the dramatic resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who stepped down late Tuesday amid a wave of deadly protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z population.

The unrest, which began as a response to a controversial social media ban, quickly escalated into a nationwide movement against corruption, privilege, and political impunity.

The government’s decision to block over two dozen platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X, ignited fury among young Nepalis who rely heavily on these services for communication, activism, and economic opportunity. 

Although the ban was reversed within 24 hours, the damage had been done. Demonstrators flooded the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, defying curfews and clashing violently with security forces. At least 19 people were killed and hundreds injured in what has become Nepal’s deadliest civil unrest in recent years.

Protesters, many of them students and young professionals, rallied under slogans like “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (“KP thief, leave the country”) and “Take Action Against Corrupt Leaders.” The movement gained momentum online through viral hashtags such as #NepoKids, which highlighted the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and questioned the sources of their wealth. TikTok and Reddit became rallying points for organizing marches and sharing footage of police brutality and government excess.

The violence reached a boiling point on Monday when security forces opened fire on demonstrators near the federal Parliament in Kathmandu. In response, protesters stormed government buildings, set fires, and vandalized the homes of top officials, including the Prime Minister’s residence in Bhaktapur. Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was chased and kicked by an angry mob in a scene captured on video and widely circulated online.

Facing mounting pressure, Prime Minister Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting but ultimately tendered his resignation, citing the need for a political solution to the crisis. His departure was followed by the resignations of several key ministers, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari, and Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav.

The Nepal Army has since announced its intention to take control of law and order, urging protesters to show restraint and calling for national unity. General Ashok Raj Sigdel emphasized the military’s commitment to safeguarding Nepal’s sovereignty and appealed for dialogue to prevent further loss of life and property.

Despite the government’s efforts to restore calm, the Gen Z-led movement shows no signs of slowing down. Protesters continue to demand systemic reforms, including the formation of an all-party government, the establishment of a powerful anti-corruption body, and the introduction of a retirement age for political officeholders.

As Nepal grapples with this unprecedented youth uprising, the nation stands at a crossroads, between entrenched political traditions and a new generation demanding transparency, accountability, and change.