Under Pressure from Protests, Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli Resigns

International Desk | PNN:
Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday. He stepped down amid nationwide pressure following protests that erupted after security forces killed 19 young people in clashes on Monday.

On Tuesday morning, demonstrators protested against the country’s social and political inequalities, corruption, and lack of reform, setting several buildings on fire. Although the ministers’ resignations have been announced, protests continue. Kathmandu’s international airport canceled all flights for the day.

The protests began on Monday at 9 a.m. from the Maitighar area of Kathmandu, with thousands of youths, including school students, participating. Organized by the non-profit group Hami Nepal, the movement, known as the “Gen Z Protest,” quickly spread to other cities.

At one point, some protesters broke through police barricades and entered the new Baneshwor parliamentary building, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Police opened fire on the demonstrators. At least 17 people were killed in Kathmandu, with two more fatalities reported in eastern Itahari. According to police officer Shikhar Khanal, among the injured were 28 police officers, and more than 100 people were hospitalized.

On Monday night, Oli expressed deep sorrow over the deaths in a statement, saying, “This violent incident will be investigated.”

Despite the resignation, youths continue their movement, seeking changes in Nepal’s political landscape in response to the protests.