Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday evening after Gen-Z-led anti-corruption protests escalated dramatically, with demonstrators attacking residences of political leaders and ministers across the country.
In a public appeal, Oli said, “I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion. For that, I have also called an all-party meeting at 6 pm today. I humbly request all brothers and sisters to remain calm in this difficult situation.”
According to The Kathmandu Post, protesters torched the house of Communication and IT Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung in Lalitpur, pelted stones at the residences of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. They also attempted to march towards the residence of former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba but were stopped by security forces. The house of opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal was also targeted with stone pelting.
Demonstrations have spread beyond the capital, with agitators attacking residences of provincial leaders, blocking highways, and clashing with police. In Kathmandu, protesters threw stones at security forces, prompting police to fire tear gas shells.
The unrest has prompted authorities to impose curfews in multiple districts including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Biratnagar, Parsa, and Makwanpur. Roads have been blocked with burning tyres, while movement and gatherings have been heavily restricted in affected areas.
The protests, initially sparked by a controversial social media ban, have now turned into a wider youth-led movement against alleged government corruption and authoritarianism. At least 19 people were killed and more than 200 injured during Monday’s violence, making it one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent years.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern, mourning the loss of young lives and urging restraint. “We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday… Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and follow local guidelines,” the MEA said in a statement.
The turmoil has already triggered political fallout, with Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari resigning on Tuesday in protest against the government’s crackdown. His resignation came a day after Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down, taking moral responsibility for the violence.
Despite the government’s decision to lift the social media ban late Monday night, protests have continued, with demonstrators vowing to persist until Prime Minister Oli resigns.
