Nepal's Prime Minister steps down amid public demonstrations, military facilitates the removal of government officials.
In the heart of South Asia, Nepal finds itself in the midst of a tumultuous period. The past few weeks have seen a wave of protests sweeping across the nation, with schoolchildren and students at the forefront.
The unrest began in earnest on September 8, when demonstrations escalated into direct clashes between police and protesters at various locations, including the capital city of Kathmandu. The clashes resulted in the unfortunate loss of 19 lives, with 17 reported in Kathmandu and 2 in Itahari.
The prime minister's residence was not spared from the chaos, as protesters set it ablaze. In response, the military began evacuating ministers from their residences by helicopter due to the escalating situation.
The parliament premises in Kathmandu were also stormed by protesters, adding to the sense of instability in the country. The protests, which have been dubbed "Generation Z demonstrations" or "zoomers", have been primarily driven by the youth of Nepal, who are demanding an end to corruption and seeking a more accountable government.
The prime minister, Mr. KP Sharma Oli, has emphasized the need for "peaceful dialogue to find solutions to any problem". He also stated that violence is not in the national interest. However, the situation has grown increasingly tense, with reports of police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and reportedly live ammunition against protesters. Over 400 people have been injured during the clashes.
The government's decision to ban various messaging apps and social networks, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and those banned in Russia, sparked massive public discontent, leading to demonstrations in various cities across the country. The ban was later lifted, but the damage had already been done.
The organizers of the protests have been demanding the resignation of the prime minister, a call echoed by opposition parties. The Nepalese Minister of Home Affairs resigned "on moral grounds" following the clashes. However, as of September 17, 2025, there is no information available about a new interior minister in Nepal, leaving the country in a political vacuum without a clear successor or transition government.
Media reports suggest that Nepal's army chief, General Ashok Raj Singhdev, has asked the prime minister to step down. The prime minister has yet to respond to this request. Soldiers are currently guarding the parliament building, and all flights at Tribhuvan International Airport have been cancelled, with over 300 soldiers stationed on its premises.
As the situation in Nepal continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis and a return to stability in this beautiful Himalayan nation.
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