Nepal’s capital is reeling from a second day of violent protests as thousands demand the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, accusing his government of rampant corruption and stifling free speech through a controversial social media ban. Defiant, Oli has vowed to remain in office, with Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung telling NDTV, “Prime Minister Oli will not resign.” The unrest, initially sparked by a ban on 26 social media platforms, has escalated into a broader movement against governance failures, with protesters torching tires, blocking roads, and targeting the residences of top officials, including President Ram Chandra Poudel.

The protests, led by the youth-driven ‘Gen Z Nepal’ movement, turned deadly on Monday when security forces fired live rounds, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse crowds breaching the Parliament complex, resulting in 19 deaths and over 400 injuries. Demonstrators carried placards reading “Shut down corruption, not social media” and chanted slogans like “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (K.P. Oli is a thief, quit the country). The violence spread to cities like Pokhara, Butwal, and Itahari, with curfews imposed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.

The crisis has fractured Oli’s coalition government, with five ministers resigning, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who cited moral grounds, and Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari. Health Minister Pradeep Paudel, Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary, and Water Minister Pradeep Yadav also stepped down, criticizing the government’s indifference to public grievances. Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has reportedly urged remaining allies to exit the cabinet, signaling a deepening political rift.

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

Oli, facing mounting pressure, lifted the social media ban late Monday after an emergency cabinet meeting but blamed “anarchists” and political rivals for inciting violence. He announced a committee to investigate the clashes and expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with protesters. However, the vandalism of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s residence and protests outside Sher Bahadur Deuba’s home underscore the public’s fury.

The United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a transparent investigation into the excessive use of force, amplifying global scrutiny. As Nepal’s youth demand accountability, Oli’s refusal to step down sets the stage for a volatile standoff, threatening further unrest in the Himalayan nation.

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