Nepal’s Prime Minister Resigns Amid Deadly Protests Over Social Media Ban

Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned on Tuesday as nationwide protests over a controversial social media ban spiralled into widespread unrest and violent clashes, leaving at least 19 people dead.

The protests, led primarily by youth and digital rights activists, erupted after the government imposed a sudden ban on several major social media platforms last week. Although the ban was lifted on Tuesday, it failed to quell public anger, which had morphed into broader outrage over alleged government corruption and authoritarianism.

Violence escalated in the capital, Kathmandu, where demonstrators set fire to the homes of senior government officials and the national parliament building. The city’s international airport was shut down, and army helicopters were deployed to evacuate key government figures to undisclosed locations for their safety.

On Monday, police reportedly opened fire on crowds of protesters, killing 19 and injuring dozens more in what rights groups are calling a gross violation of civil liberties.

Facing mounting pressure and growing chaos, Prime Minister Oli announced his immediate resignation in a televised address, saying, “I can no longer ignore the voice of the people. I step down in the hope of restoring peace and unity in our nation.”