TNR News Network
SHIMLA:
Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down on Tuesday (September 9, 2025) after days of escalating protests swept across the country, turning violent and prompting a political crisis. His resignation came shortly after angry demonstrators stormed the Prime Minister’s Office in Kathmandu, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding accountability.
The protests, largely driven by a youth-led movement known as Gen Z, erupted in response to a controversial government ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, which critics said was a direct attack on freedom of expression.
Violence, resignations, mounting casualties
The unrest reached a peak on Monday, when at least 19 protesters were killed and over 300 injured during clashes between protesters and security forces. Hours before announcing his resignation, PM Oli’s private residence in Balkot was set ablaze by demonstrators.
Multiple government officials have also stepped down in protest. Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari and Health and Population Minister Pradip Poudel, both from the Nepali Congress, resigned on Tuesday, condemning the government’s harsh crackdown on students and protesters.
In a symbolic and escalating move, demonstrators vandalised or set fire to homes of several top political leaders, including the residence of President Ramchandra Paudel in Bohratar, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in Naikap, and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in Khumaltar. The home of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung at Sunakothi in Lalitpur was also torched.
Stones were reportedly hurled at the residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, as well as Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel.
Kathmandu under curfew, airport shut down
The authorities have imposed strict curfews in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts in an attempt to control the growing unrest. The Kathmandu District Administration Office declared an indefinite curfew from 8.30 am onward, while Bhaktapur and Lalitpur announced similar restrictions in key areas.
The Tribhuvan International Airport has also been shut down completely, as a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions and fears of further violence.
Social media ban sparks outrage
The protests were triggered by the government’s recent decision to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), citing non-compliance with registration requirements. The move was widely criticised as an attempt to stifle dissent and silence youth voices exposing political corruption.
The Gen Z-led movement had used platforms like Instagram and Reddit to highlight alleged corruption and the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, questioning the sources of their wealth. Facing mounting pressure, the government revoked the ban late Monday night, but the reversal failed to quell the growing public anger.
