Nepalese Prime Minister K P Shama Oli resigned on Tuesday amidst an escalation in protests against his government over corruption allegations and the decision to ban Social Media sites. The protest continues on Tuesday despite the government’s revocation of the Social Media Ban on late Monday night.
As protests continue to grow even after the PM’s resignation, President Paudel appealed to the Nation to find a peaceful way out. “As Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation has already been accepted, there is a need for cooperation of all sides who love the country, people and democracy, to find a solution to the current stalemate,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Army and chiefs of other security agencies issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, urging protesters to restrain and resolve the crisis through dialogue. They stressed the need to look ahead after PM Oli resigned.
Earlier in the day, the protestors gathered outside the residence of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in Ballot on Tuesday against the killings of Monday. The Nepal army has been deployed to evacuate ministers from their residences. This decision was made after protestors attacked the residences of senior officials and ministers. Reports suggest that they assaulted the former Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Protesters set the Parliament building and the private homes of the President, PM Oli, former PMs and the former finance minister on fire.
Earlier in his resignation letter to the President, the outgoing PM underlined ‘the extraordinary circumstances facing the country’ and stressed the need for a constitutional political solution.
He wrote, “I was appointed Prime Minister on Asadh 31, 2071 BS, under Article 76(2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Considering the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country, and to facilitate further efforts toward a constitutional political solution and problem resolution, I hereby resign from the office of Prime Minister, effective immediately, under Article 77(1)a of the Constitution.”
According to reports, simmering tension existed among the youth over corruption, rising unemployment, and stagnant growth. Gen Z were at the forefront in criticising the government’s failure to curb deep-seated issues. Social Media Ban fuelled the fire of such massive outrage.
Considering the escalation in violence, the authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu Valley. According to a report by The Himalayan Times, all flights at Tribhuvan Airport have been cancelled.
