Nepal PM Resigns After Former First Lady Among 19 Killed in Gen Z Protests Over Social Media Ban
Violent anti-corruption demonstrations triggered by a sweeping social media ban in Nepal have claimed at least 19 lives, including the former first lady, as Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli abruptly resigned under mounting pressure.
The unrest erupted after authorities ordered the shutdown of platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing non-compliance with new registration rules. The ban sparked immense backlash, particularly among Gen Z citizens, who saw it as a brazen attempt at censorship amid pervasive graft and economic malaise. Protesters took to the streets en masse, clashing with security forces in Kathmandu and other cities.
Amid escalating violence, the government swiftly reversed the ban. The Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, also resigned, accepting moral responsibility for the crackdown.
PM Oli, facing widespread public fury, followed suit—stepping down as pressure mounted.
Despite the resignations, protests persisted. Demonstrators torched government buildings and political residences, symbolising a deep animosity toward the political elite.
