Everything That's Happened In Nepal In Last 48 Hours: Arson, Shootings, Resignations, Evacuations

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned Tuesday after a deadly police crackdown on anti-corruption protesters triggered nationwide unrest that saw demonstrators storm the Parliament building and target senior officials' homes across the country.

The dramatic fall of Oli's government began Monday when security forces opened fire on Gen Z protesters demanding an end to corruption and systemic failures, killing at least 19 people, including students, and injuring over 400 others. The bloodshed sparked immediate outrage and calls for accountability that quickly escalated into a broader uprising against his administration.

Swift Political Collapse

Within hours of Monday's violence, cracks appeared in Oli's government. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned following an emergency Cabinet meeting, unable to defend the lethal force used against unarmed demonstrators. By Tuesday morning, mounting pressure from protesters and rights groups who blamed his administration for authorizing the deadly crackdown forced Oli himself to step down.

The resignation marks the end of Oli's fourth term as prime minister, which began in July 2024 with backing from the Nepali Congress. His political career had seen him hold office previously in 2015-16, 2018-21, and briefly in 2021, but this latest tenure ended amid unprecedented scenes of civil unrest.

Unprecedented Violence and Destruction

Tuesday witnessed extraordinary scenes of chaos as Gen Z protesters, undeterred by Oli's resignation, continued their campaign of destruction across Nepal. Demonstrators set fire to both the Parliament building and the Nepali Congress Central Office, while systematically targeting the residences of political leaders and senior officials.

The protesters torched Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung's house in Lalitpur and pelted stones at Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Paudel's Bhaisepati residence. Former Home Minister Lekhak's home was also attacked, along with the residence of Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel. Demonstrators even reached the Budhanilkantha home of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba before being stopped, and hurled stones at opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda's residence.

Emergency Response

However, airport authorities insisted that the airport “is not closed”. 

Appeals for Calm Fall Short

Despite Oli's resignation, efforts to calm the situation appeared to have limited effect. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah took to Facebook to appeal for restraint, describing public and private assets as shared property and urging youths to avoid further destruction.

"Since the prime minister has already stepped down, protesters must avoid further loss of life and property," Shah wrote, but demonstrations continued across the country with protesters vowing to push ahead until comprehensive systemic reforms and accountability are ensured.

Legacy of Instability

Oli's downfall represents a dramatic reversal for a leader known for his assertive style and nationalist policies. He had returned to power in July 2024 promising stability and prosperity but leaves office amid accusations of authoritarianism and mounting unrest.

The crisis has exposed deep-seated frustrations among Nepal's younger generation with corruption and governance failures, while highlighting the volatile nature of the country's political landscape. As protests continue despite the change in leadership, the incident underscores the challenges facing any successor in addressing the systemic issues that sparked the deadly uprising.

The events mark one of the most serious political crises in recent Nepali history, with the unprecedented scale of violence and destruction raising questions about the country's democratic institutions and the government's relationship with its citizens, particularly the activist Gen Z demographic driving the protests.