Kathmandu: Nepal is in turmoil as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli faces massive protests from the country’s youth, demanding accountability over a controversial social media ban and widespread corruption. The unrest, which erupted on Monday, resulted in the death of 19 protesters and hundreds injured. Despite lifting the ban on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, fresh protests continued on Tuesday across Kathmandu and other major cities.
Sources reported that Oli is likely to travel to Dubai for medical treatment, with Himalaya Airlines reportedly on standby for the trip. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister called an emergency all-party meeting at 6 pm to address the escalating crisis. In a letter to the public, Oli urged citizens to remain calm, stating, “I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion. For that, I have also called an all-party meeting at 6 pm today. I humbly request all brothers and sisters to remain calm in this difficult situation.”
Security forces opened fire during the protests as demonstrators attempted to approach the parliament, intensifying the violence. The government, through Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung, clarified that the Prime Minister will not resign at this stage and attributed the violence to “infiltrating groups” rather than acknowledging governmental lapses.
The protests, led by Gen Z Nepal, highlight the growing frustration among youth over corruption, restrictions on social media, and governance issues. Despite the lifting of the ban after an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday, the situation remains volatile, with ongoing demonstrations and widespread public anger.
