#JustIn from Nepal: Students Defy Curfews, Demand PM Oli Resignation

Nepal’s capital and surrounding regions were gripped by fresh waves of student-led protests on Tuesday, as defiant demonstrators took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The unrest, which spread across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, saw young activists openly challenging government-imposed curfews and restrictions on public gatherings. Protests erupted in areas like Kalanki, Baneshwor, and Chapagaun-Thecho, fueled by outrage over alleged corruption and a recently lifted social media ban.

In Kalanki, students burned tires to block roads from early morning, chanting slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (K.P. Sharma Oli is a thief, quit the country) and “Don’t kill students.” The protests turned violent in some areas, with reports of stone-pelting at the residence of Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung in Sunakothi, Lalitpur, who had previously ordered the controversial social media ban. Demonstrators also vandalized the home of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in Khumaltar and protested outside former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha, signaling widespread discontent with Nepal’s political elite.

The protests follow Monday’s deadly clashes, which claimed at least 19 lives and left over 300 injured after police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse crowds storming the parliament complex in New Baneshwor. The Nepali Army was deployed to restore order, taking control of key roads around the parliament. The violence prompted Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to resign, citing moral responsibility for the loss of lives. Despite the government’s decision to lift the social media ban late Monday, public anger remains unabated, with students and activists accusing the Oli administration of rampant corruption and authoritarianism.

Also Read: Nepal Youth Protest Social Media Ban, PM Expresses Grief over 19 Deaths in Unrest

Curfews have been imposed across multiple districts to curb the unrest. Kathmandu and Bhaktapur enforced restrictions from 8:30 AM until further notice, covering areas like Madhyapur Thimi and Suryabinayak. In Lalitpur, a curfew from 9 AM to midnight affects Bhaisepati, Sanepa, and Chyasal. Authorities have warned of strict enforcement, but protesters, undeterred, continue to demand accountability and systemic change. The ongoing turmoil has deepened Nepal’s political crisis, with opposition parties and activists calling for Oli’s resignation and a thorough investigation into the government’s handling of the protests.

Also Read: Nepal Bans Facebook, YouTube, Instagram Under New Law