Kathmandu: Nepal was thrown into political turmoil after weeks of youth-led demonstrations forced the government to reverse a controversial social media crackdown and culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
The protests, driven largely by “Gen Z” activists, erupted after the government introduced a law requiring social media platforms to register with the state—widely seen as an attempt at censorship. The backlash escalated into violent clashes with security forces, leaving at least 19 people dead and dozens injured.
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In a damage-control move, authorities swiftly lifted the social media ban. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed the rollback, while Prime Minister Oli announced compensation for victims, free treatment for the injured, and the formation of an inquiry panel expected to deliver findings within 15 days.
The crisis also triggered a wave of political resignations. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak quit immediately, followed by Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari, Health Minister Pradip Paudel, and 21 MPs from the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
With protests intensifying and demonstrators storming his office, Oli finally bowed to pressure and stepped down, ending his term that began in July 2024.
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Meanwhile, curfews have been enforced across Kathmandu and other cities, schools remain shut, and mobs have set fire to political leaders’ residences, underlining the depth of public fury.
Nepal now faces a political vacuum as leaders scramble to restore calm and chart the country’s next steps.
