Nepal PM KP Oli Resigns Amid Gen Z Protests, Violence, and Political Crisis

Nepal PM KP Oli resigns after weeks of violent Gen Z protests triggered by a controversial social media ban and allegations of corruption. His resignation comes at a time when the Himalayan nation is facing its most severe political and social crisis in decades, with deaths, destruction, and growing anger on the streets.

Oli’s Planned Exit to Dubai

Sources confirmed that a private airline, Himalaya Airlines, had been kept on standby for Oli’s possible evacuation to Dubai under the pretext of medical treatment. Oli had delegated acting responsibilities to his deputy prime minister, signaling preparation for an exit strategy even before his resignation.

Nepal’s Army Chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, reportedly advised Oli to step down, warning that stability could only be restored if he relinquished power. Instead of providing him safe passage, the military told him bluntly that the situation could not be controlled without his resignation.

Ministers Quit, Crisis Deepens

The crisis deepened further when three ministers resigned within 48 hours. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, and Health Minister Pradip Paudel stepped down, citing moral responsibility for the escalating violence and loss of life.

Meanwhile, violent mobs attacked residences of senior leaders, including President Ram Chandra Paudel, former PM Prachanda, and ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba. Even Oli’s own residence was set ablaze, highlighting the intensity of the public backlash.

The Spark: Nepal’s Social Media Ban

The protests began after the Oli government banned 26 popular platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X. The ban was justified on grounds of cybercrime, fake news, and national security. However, critics saw it as a direct assault on freedom of speech.

Although the government reversed the ban after an emergency Cabinet meeting, the decision failed to pacify protesters. Demonstrations continued, evolving into a broader movement against corruption, nepotism, and authoritarianism in Nepal’s politics.

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Gen Z Revolution

The movement, dubbed the “Gen Z Revolution,” was largely youth-led. Students in uniforms, activists, and ordinary citizens took to the streets. Many expressed frustration with “Nepo Kids” — children of political leaders who enjoy privileges while common youth face unemployment and rising living costs.

Protests turned violent in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur, and Bharatpur. Demonstrators torched the Nepali Congress headquarters, Communist Party offices, and luxury hotels linked to ruling leaders. Tribhuvan International Airport was shut down as army helicopters evacuated ministers.

Tragedy Strikes Political Families

The protests also turned deadly for political families. Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, was killed after protesters set their home in Kathmandu’s Dallu area on fire. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

Videos circulating from the capital showed Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel being chased, kicked, and beaten in the streets.

Heavy Casualties Reported

So far, at least 19 people have been killed and more than 300 injured. Hospitals in Kathmandu and across Nepal are overwhelmed with casualties. The Nepal Army has been deployed in several cities, but anger continues to rise despite curfews and emergency orders.

India Issues Travel Advisory

India has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Nepal until stability is restored. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines have canceled multiple flights between Delhi and Kathmandu due to security concerns.

The resignation of KP Oli marks the collapse of a government that underestimated the power of Nepal’s youth. What began as opposition to a social media ban has now evolved into a generational uprising demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to political corruption. Nepal enters an uncertain future, with its leadership vacuum raising questions about who can restore peace and stability in the country.