Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel has accepted Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation, his aide said, Reuters reported. Paudel has begun the process of appointing a new leader, the aide told Reuters.
Journalism of Courage
The Nepal Army on Wednesday, citing threats to public security, said the prohibitory order in the country will remain effective until 5 pm, following which a nationwide curfew will be imposed until 6 am Thursday. The army said that in the name of the movement, the unruly groups carried out attacks on individuals and property and attempted sexual assaults.
What did the army say: “In the name of movement, various lawless individuals and groups are still infiltratingNew and committing acts such as vandalism and arson, vandalism and violent attacks on individuals, and attempts to intimidate, keeping in mind the overall security situation of the country, the curfew currently imposed will continue throughout the country until 5 pm (1700 hrs) on Bhadra 25, 2082 and thereafter the curfew order will continue until 6 am (0600 hrs) on Bhadra 26 tomorrow and further information will be disseminated based on the analysis of the situation,” the army said in a statement.
“During the curfew and curfew, essential service vehicles (ambulances, hearses, fire engines, health workers and security personnel) may operate. All concerned are requested to coordinate with the security personnel nearby for the necessary convenience,” it added.
Nepal unrest: ‘Gen Z’ protesters, enraged by the repressive actions of the K P Sharma Oli regime, set fire to government buildings, offices of major political parties, and the homes and offices of top political functionaries, including several former Prime Ministers, on Tuesday. Amid the raging demonstrations, Oli resigned, saying, “In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution.”
Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel has accepted Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation, his aide said, Reuters reported. Paudel has begun the process of appointing a new leader, the aide told Reuters.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday appealed for calm in the state’s northern districts bordering Nepal, amid violent anti-government protests in the neighbouring country that saw Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli step down.
Speaking at Kolkata airport before leaving for an administrative visit to north Bengal, Banerjee urged residents of Siliguri, Kalimpong and nearby areas to “maintain peace and avoid activities that could create tension.”
She stressed that foreign policy was the Centre’s responsibility, adding, “We cannot interfere; this is not our matter. We will remain well if our neighbourhood remains well. We want peace to prevail in the neighbouring country.” (PTI)
In a letter to President Ramchandra Paudel, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli cited the nation’s extraordinary circumstances and stressed the urgency of a constitutional political solution, the notice said: "I was appointed Prime Minister on Asar 31, 2071 BS, under Article 76(2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Considering the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country and in order to facilitate further efforts toward a constitutional political solution and problem resolution, I hereby resign from the office of Prime Minister, effective immediately, under Article 77(1)a of the Constitution," The Himalayan Times reports.
The house of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other political leaders were set on fire on Tuesday, as protests raged in defiance of a curfew order a day after the killing of 19 protesters. Oli has resigned from his post.
The protests began on Monday, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets against government's corruption. This was the first time the youth of Nepal, the ‘GenZ’, mobilised on the streets like this. Organisers asked political parties and their youth wings to stay away.
While the immediate trigger for the protests was a now-lifted ban on social media platforms, grievances had been simmering in Nepal for a while now, specially over the corruption allegations against the political leadership.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Tuesday resigned from the post after anti-corruption protests turned violent for the second consecutive day in a row, news agency Reuters reported.
Announcing his decision, Oli said he resigned, "in view of adverse situation in country," Reuters quoted.
He said his resignation would "facilitate solution to the problem and help resolve it politically." (Reuters)
As protests escalated in Nepal, the Nepali Army began evacuating ministers from their residences in Bhaisepati using helicopters.
This move comes after a series of arson and vandalism incidents targeted at ministers’ and senior officials’ homes on Tuesday.
Senior security officials stated that the army has also been deployed to safeguard the parliament building, The Kathmandu Post reported.
High-ranking officials are being provided security at military barracks. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is reportedly in discussions with ministers regarding the ongoing situation, as per the reports.
The embassies of nine countries in Nepal have jointly expressed concern over Monday’s violent demonstrations in Kathmandu and other parts of the country, which resulted in deaths and injuries, Himal Press reported.
Issuing a joint statement, the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany and the United States of America said they were "deeply saddened by the violence seen in Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal", including the "tragic loss of life and injury during demonstrations."
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, all those affected and wish those injured a swift and full recovery,” the statement read.
They reaffirmed their strong support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. “We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation and ensure that these fundamental rights are protected,” they added in the statement.
Nepal's Health and Population Minister Pradip Poudel stepped down from his post on Tuesday, citing the government's harsh response to student protests a day earlier, news agency PTI reported.
Senior Nepali Congress leaders Bimalendra Nidhi and Arjun Narsingh Kesi have suggested that the party withdraw all its ministers from the Oli-led government, form a government, and initiate dialogue with the agitating group, news agency PTI reported.
Talking to PTI, Nidhi said as the largest party in Parliament, Nepali Congress must safeguard democracy and the Constitution during these critical times.
"Nepali Congress should withdraw support to the Oli-led government and initiate the process of forming a national government," he said.
Kesi also said that Nepali Congress should withdraw from the government and initiate the process of forming an all-party government. He also demanded the creation of a powerful anti-corruption body to investigate the assets of those in power and take decisive action, alongside initiating dialogue with the group, as per the report. (PTI)
Protesters in Nepal shouted slogans such as "KP Chor, Desh Chhod" (KP thief, leave the country) and "Take Action Against Corrupt Leaders" in multiple parts of Kathmandu, news agency PTI reported.
Demonstrations were reported from Kalanki, Kalimati, Tahachal, and Baneshwor in Kathmandu, as well as Chyasal, Chapagau, and Thecho areas of Lalitpur district. Protesters, mostly students, chanted slogans such as “Don't kill students”, defying the restrictions on public gatherings, as per the report.
In Kalanki, demonstrators burnt tyres to block roads from the early hours of the morning, according to eyewitness accounts.
According to media reports, four people were injured as police opened fire at the demonstrators. (PTI)
Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur, was set on fire Tuesday by the protesters, The Kathmandu Post reported.
According to officials, demonstrators marched to Oli’s residence early in the morning and attempted to breach security despite police intervention. When officers tried to block them, the protesters refused to retreat and eventually torched the houses inside the compound, as per the report.
There are two houses at Oli’s Balkot residence, both of which were set ablaze during the incident.
- The Kathmandu Post
All flights at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu were cancelled on Tuesday due to unprecedented, serious circumstances and security concerns, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The airport authority apologised for the inconvenience.
International flights have been halted since 12:45 pm following a billow of smoke near Koteshwar, said Hansa Raj Pandey, general manager at TIA. “The airport is not closed. We won’t close it either,” he added, The Kathmandu Post quoted.
Crew members have been unable to reach the airport due to problems in movements, preventing flights from taking off. Domestic airlines, including Buddha Air, have suspended all flights citing security reasons, as per the report.
Protesters on Tuesday set fire to the house of Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel, news agency AP reported.
They also set on fire the house of Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the largest party Nepali Congress, as per the reports.
A private school owned by Deuba's wife Arzu Deuba Rana, who is the current foreign minister, was also set on fire. (AP)
Nepal's Opposition parties Tuesday condemned the “brutal repression” of Gen Z demonstration in Kathmandu, calling for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation, Himal Press reported.
A joint meeting of the opposition parties, chaired by CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, held on Tuesday morning, concluded that the Prime Minister must resign.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Maoist Center’s Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun said the opposition parties reached the conclusion that Prime Minister Oli must take responsibility for the entire incident and resign from his post.
“The government failed to understand and refused to address the anger of the youth, and this is the result. Their demands are legitimate, and as the opposition, we are committed to engaging in dialogue to find a way forward,” Himal Press quoted Pun.
-Himal Press
The protests in Nepal's Biratnagar turned tense on Tuesday as demonstrators attempted to enter the Koshi Provincial Assembly building, Himal Press reported.
Hundreds of youths clashed with police personnel who were guarding the provincial assembly secretariat, as per the report. When protesters tried to break through barricades, police deployed tear gas to control the situation and, in some areas, carried out baton charges, officials told the reporters at Himal.
Police confirmed that a police post at Jaljala Chowk and a motorcycle were also set ablaze.
- Himal Press
The Rautahat police Tuesday opened fire on protesters in Chandranigahapur on Tuesday during a demonstration against Monday’s crackdown on them, The Kathmandu Post reported.
Clashes broke out between police and demonstrators, who also set a police vehicle on fire. Dozens of warning shots were fired by authorities to control the situation, the report stated.
The situation in Chandranigahapur remains tense, according to the report.
Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing the government's violent response to the protests, which led to the deaths of at least 19 people, and left several injured, The Kathmandu Post reported.
In his resignation statement, Yadav said he could not continue in office following the tragic loss of life and the government’s use of force against the country’s youth.
“Supporting the movement of Gen Z youths and opposing the repression carried out by the government and administration, I hereby resign from the post of Minister for Water Supply,” Yadav said.
“Dear young brothers and sisters, you are my first companions and the source of my energy. I appeal to everyone to remain calm and to guide and support the youth in the right direction.”
- The Kathmandu Post
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa Tuesday called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to take moral responsibility for the deaths of 19 protesters during the demonstrations and to resign from his post, The Kathmandu Post reported.
Thapa said, “Innocent youths have been killed unnecessarily. The prime minister must take responsibility for this suppression and step down immediately.”
He added that the Nepali Congress cannot remain a witness or partner in this situation even for a single day and said he will push for this decision in the party meeting, as per the report.
-The Kathmandu Post
Nepal Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing the government’s authoritarian response during Monday’s protests, The Kathmandu Post reported.
In his resignation letter, Adhikari said that instead of recognising citizens’ natural right to question democracy and stage peaceful protests, the state responded with widespread suppression, killings, and use of force, moving the country towards authoritarianism rather than democracy.
He added that he could not remain in power without answers on how the government resorted to violent behaviour against a generation with which it should cooperate to build the nation, as per the report.
His resignation comes a day after Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli following the protests.
-The Kathmandu Post
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Tuesday appealed to the protesters, mainly constituting Gen Zs, to come forward and "engage in dialogue," Himal Press reported.
Issuing an appeal, Oli urged them to engage in discussions to find a solution to the issue.
Expressing sorrow over the incidents that occurred in the country on Monday, Oli said violence in any form is not in the interest of the nation, as per the Himal Press report.
“We must adopt the path of peaceful dialogue to find solutions. I am assessing the current situation and engaging with the concerned parties to reach meaningful conclusions,” Oli said. “I earnestly request everyone to remain calm during this difficult time," Oil said.
Protesters have set fire to the Nepali Congress party’s central office in Lalitpur’s Sanepa neighbourhood on Tuesday, The Kathmandu Post reported.
They also pelted stones at the Bhaisepati residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel.
The house of former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, who resigned from the post on Monday, was attacked as well, the report stated.
The Bhaisepati-based residence of Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel was also stoned, according to the report.
Also, protesters hurled stones at the Khumaltar residence of the CPN (Maoist Centre) chair and the main opposition leader, Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
- The Kathmandu Post
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called an all-party meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday, after the situation turned tense in the capital city of Kathmandu yet again, with protesters setting fire to the Nepali Congress party’s central office in Lalitpur’s Sanepa neighbourhood, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The protesters also set a traffic post outside the party’s office in Balkhu area on fire, as per a PTI report.
Situation is tense once again in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu on Tuesday, even as the authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the city.
Protesters were trying to enter the Nepali Congress Party office in Balkhu area of the city, news agency PTI reported.
Protesters also set a traffic post outside the party office on fire. (PTI)
Protesters in Nepal's Kathmandu have called for people to participate in condolence meetings on Tuesday in memory of those killed in Monday's protests, news agency Reuters reported.
New Delhi on Tuesday issued a statement advising Indian nationals residing in Nepal to “exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities.”
"We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured," the statement read.
India also hoped for peaceful settlement of dispute between the concerned parties. "As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue," the release stated.
"We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities," it stated.
The statement comes as an indefinite curfew is in place in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, news agency PTI reported. The Kathmandu District Administration Office issued the curfew orders effective from 8:30 am until further notice.
The administration of Kathmandu's adjoining Bhaktapur district Tuesday imposed an indefinite curfew from 8:30 am in several areas, including Pepsikola, Radheradhe Chowk, Sallaghari, Duwakot and Changu Narayan Temple, news agency PTI reported.
The administration also issued restrictive orders in parts of the Lalitpur metropolis, adjoining Kathmandu. (PTI)
Nepal authorities on Tuesday imposed an indefinite curfew in its capital city Kathmandu, reintroducing restrictions just hours after an earlier order was lifted, news agency PTI reported.
The Kathmandu District Administration Office issued the curfew orders effective from 8:30 am until further notice.
“No movement of people, any type of gathering, demonstration, protest, meeting and sit-in will be allowed during the curfew,” said the notice issued by the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu.
“However, emergency services, including ambulances, fire engines, vehicles carrying health workers, tourists, media personnel, and air travellers will be permitted to operate in coordination with security personnel,” the notice stated. (PTI)
Nepal’s capital witnessed its deadliest unrest in years as thousands of young protesters clashed with police outside the parliament in Kathmandu on Monday.
At least 19 people were killed and over 50 injured after security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and baton-charged demonstrators who had broken police barricades and stormed the parliament complex protesting a social media ban in the mountainous nation.
The protests, which began at Maitighar Mandala – Kathmandu’s designated protest site – soon spread to government offices and other cities including Pokhara, Biratnagar and Bharatpur. Authorities have imposed a curfew across Kathmandu and Pokhara to contain the unrest and the Army has been deployed.
Seven of the 19 people who were killed, and scores of those wounded were received at the National Trauma Center, the country’s main hospital in the heart of Kathmandu, news agency AP reported.
“Many of them are in serious condition and appear to have been shot in the head and chest,” said Dr. Badri Risa.
Families waited anxiously outside for news of their relatives while people lined up to donate blood. (AP)
At least 19 people died in Nepal on Monday and dozens more were injured as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who tried to break into parliament.
WHO ARE THE PROTESTERS?
Thousands of young Nepali people, many in their 20s or even younger, got together to protest in the capital Kathmandu and other cities in the Himalayan country. Many of the protesters were students and joined the demonstrations in their school or college uniforms. The organisers called the protests "demonstrations by Gen Z".
WHAT SPARKED THE OUTRAGE?
Last week, Nepal's government blocked access to several social media platforms after the companies missed the deadline to register under new regulations, aimed at cracking down on misuse.
Nepal's government has said social media users create fake IDs and use them to spread hate speech and fake news, commit fraud and other crimes on these platforms.
A government notice directed the regulator, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, to deactivate unregistered social media but gave no details of which platforms faced action. The services will be restored once the platforms comply with its order, the government said.
Local media reported that the banned platforms include Meta's Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, Alphabet's YouTube, China's Tencent and Snapchat, Pinterest and X.
WHAT ARE THE PROTESTERS SAYING?
Many people in Nepal think corruption is rampant, and the government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has been criticised by opponents for failing to deliver on its promises to tackle graft or make progress in addressing longstanding economic issues.
Nepal's youngsters say the protest is an expression of their widespread frustration over the social media ban.
WHAT HAPPENED ON MONDAY?
At least 19 people died and dozens were injured as thousands of young people protested across major cities in Nepal.
In the capital Kathmandu, protesters barged into the parliament complex by breaking through a barricade and setting fire to an ambulance.
- Reuters
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