Nepal’s Oli steps down as Gen-Z-led revolt sparks curfew

ISLAMABAD: Nepal declared a citywide curfew in Kathmandu on Wednesday as soldiers patrolled the streets and armored vehicles guarded parliament following violent protests that left at least 22 dead and more than 600 injured.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation amid escalating youth-led protests triggered by the government’s decision to block major social media platforms.

“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,” Oli wrote in a letter to President Ramchandra Paudel.

Gen Z uprising

The unrest began earlier this month as a Gen Z-driven online campaign targeting the extravagant lifestyles of political elites’ children—referred to locally as “Nepo Kids.” This movement gained traction amid Nepal’s deep economic challenges, with over 20% of the population living in poverty and youth unemployment exceeding 22%, according to the World Bank. Transparency International ranks Nepal 107th out of 180 countries on its Corruption Perceptions Index.

The protests spilled into the streets after authorities blocked social media platforms, including Facebook, citing concerns over the spread of fake news. Activists accused the government of attempting to silence an anti-corruption movement, Reuters reported.

Street violence

Thousands of students, some in school uniforms, took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. Demonstrators stormed the parliament complex, set fire to an ambulance, and caused damage to government buildings, including the President’s Office.

A Gen Z protester speaking to Pakistan TV insisted the demonstrations were peaceful, accusing “third parties who are politically involved” of instigating the destruction of public property. The protester added that older individuals, over 40 years of age, were seen in the footage damaging property despite being barred from the protest.

Burning vehicles and plumes of smoke filled the streets as police deployed water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

Meanwhile, authorities reported a mass escape of 900 inmates from two prisons in western Nepal amid the chaos.

Army warnings and appeal for calm

The Nepali Army took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn that groups were engaging in looting and arson, vowing to remain “steadfast” in controlling the situation. Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel appealed for an end to violence and urged protesters to join dialogue efforts.

“Some groups are causing extensive damage, looting, and arson to civilians and public property,” the army warned. “All security agencies, including the Nepali Army, will remain steadfast in their primary responsibility to control the situation.”

Airport disruptions and US response

Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport faced partial closure due to ongoing disruptions, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed.

The United States expressed its concern and called itself a “steadfast partner of Nepal, committed to our shared interests in stability, prosperity, and democratic governance,” according to a State Department spokesperson.

Voices from the streets

Sandip, a social media influencer from Lalitpur near Kathmandu, shared his surprise at the massive turnout. “Every single citizen of Nepal was done with the corrupt government,” he told Reuters.

Gauruv Nepune, another protest supporter, added, “The youth are against corruption but the government resorted to violence, trying to silence the movement.”

Chants and banners such as “Youth against corruption” and “We pay, you flex” became common sights in the protests.

Local political opposition

Following Oli’s resignation, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, posted on social media: “Dear Gen Z, your murderer has resigned. Now be patient!!”