Nepal protests flare up, PM Oli resigns: What we know so far about the violent protests by Gen-Zs in India's neighbourhood

Nationwide Gen-Z-led protests in Nepal have intensified, resulting in multiple fatalities, ministerial resignations, and widespread curfews. Despite the government lifting the social media ban, the initial catalyst for the unrest, demonstrators co...

By ET Online | Updated: Sep 09, 2025, 06.11 PM IST

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli resigns as protests turn deadly, plans possible escape

Even after the Nepalese government lifted the ban on social media platforms, a major trigger for the escalation, protesters on Tuesday violated the curfew in Kathmandu.

Nationwide Gen-Z-led protests in Nepal have escalated for the second day, leaving several dead, forcing ministerial resignations, and prompting curfews across multiple provinces.

Here are the latest developments:

Casualties and injuries: At least 19 people have been killed and more than 200 injured during the protests.
Resignations in government: Nepal PM KP Oli has resigned after hundreds of protestors entered his office on Tuesday; Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari also resigned today, condemning the government’s crackdown; Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down earlier, taking moral responsibility for the handling of protests.
Prime Minister’s response: PM KP Sharma Oli called an all-party meeting at 6 pm Tuesday and appealed for calm. “I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion... I humbly request all brothers and sisters to remain calm in this difficult situation,” he said.
Curfews across Nepal: Authorities have imposed curfews in several regions, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Koshi Province (Biratnagar, Morang), Birgunj (Parsa), and Makwanpur. Highways and markets have been closed, with strict restrictions on gatherings and movement.
Violence against leaders: Nepal's demonstrators vandalized the private residence of President Ramchandra Paudel in Bohratar, Kathmandu;Protesters set fire to the house of Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung. Residences of Deputy PM Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were attacked. Demonstrators attempted to target the homes of former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The agitators torched the residence of Prime Minister Oli at Balkot in Bhaktapur. Oli is currently at the Prime Minister's residence at Balwatar.

Amid TV reports of PM Oli's plans to flee country, helicopters were seen flying in Bhaisepati, Lalitpur.
Airport shut: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu has cancelled all flights until further notice and the Nepali Army has been deployed to provide security at the airport.
The protestors entered the Singha Durbar premises on Tuesday after breaking through its western gate, reported The Himalayan Times. According to other local reports, the protestors have also vandalised the Nepalese parliament.
Trigger of unrest: The movement began after a government-imposed social media ban. Although the ban was lifted Monday night, protests continued into Tuesday with curfew defiance. The protesters, under the banner of Gen Z, shouted slogans such as "KP Chor, Desh Chhod" (KP thief, leave the country) and "Take Action Against Corrupt Leaders" in multiple parts of the capital.
Security clampdown: Police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Kathmandu following stone-pelting incidents. Additional forces have been deployed across districts.
India’s reaction: The Ministry of External Affairs expressed condolences over the loss of young lives, urged restraint, and advised Indian nationals in Nepal to follow local guidelines.

In Video: Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli resigns as protests turn deadly, plans possible escape

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