Nepal PM Oli resigns, Gen Z Protests Spread Like Wildfire

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday as violent protests over the government's social media ban intensified, his aide Prakash Silwal confirmed. In his resignation letter, Oli said he was stepping down "to facilitate a solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically." Visuals showed Oli leaving Kathmandu in a military helicopter.

Meanwhile, Protests continued in Nepal for the second day despite the government announcing that it had lifted the ban on social media platforms. Demonstrators demanded Oli's ouster and the government's dismissal after 20 people were killed on Monday and over 250 were injured.

Planning asylum in Dubai

According to army sources, Oli had earlier spoken to Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, seeking military assistance to control the worsening situation and to ensure his safe exit from the Prime Minister's residence. The Army Chief reportedly advised him to step down, saying the military could only stabilise the situation if he relinquished power. Sources earlier said that KP Sharma Oli was planning to flee to Dubai.

Security operations intensified across Kathmandu. Around a dozen helicopters took off from the Bhaisepati ministerial quarters to evacuate government officials to Tribhuvan International Airport.

At least five army helicopters were deployed to transport key ministers. Tribhuvan International Airport was later shut down and all flights cancelled amid escalating unrest, with protesters calling on social media to disrupt operations by flying drones, launching fireworks, and using laser lights to interfere with aircraft.

Parliament set on fire

Protesters also continued to target the homes and offices of senior political leaders. On Tuesday, they set fire to Nepal's Parliament and vandalised the private residences of both the Prime Minister and the President. The protesters attacked Singha Durbar, where the houses of ministers and the Parliament are located, with several videos surfacing online. Visuals of the Nepal Parliament showed thick smoke billowing from the spot as the protesters set the building on fire.