Violence and vandalism force Nepal’s Prime Minister to resign

Plumes of smoke also covered Nepal's parliament as demonstrators set the building ablaze

Last updated:
Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor
3 MIN READ
A protester wearing a flak jacket and carrying a shield seized from police shouts slogans outside Singha Durbar, the administrative hub of Nepal’s government, during demonstrations against a social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu on Sept. 9, 2025.
A protester wearing a flak jacket and carrying a shield seized from police shouts slogans outside Singha Durbar, the administrative hub of Nepal’s government, during demonstrations against a social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu on Sept. 9, 2025.
AFP

Nepal plunged into political turmoil on Tuesday as furious youth-led protests set fire to parliament and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign, a day after one of the deadliest crackdowns in years left at least 19 people dead.

The demonstrations began on Monday, demanding the lifting of a government ban on social media and more decisive action against corruption. Though access was restored, anger intensified. Protesters torched Oli’s residence and other government buildings, with smoke billowing from the parliament complex after crowds breached its gates and set it ablaze.

Eyewitnesses reported some demonstrators carrying assault rifles, while many waved national flags and chanted slogans. Security forces deployed water cannons but struggled to control the unrest. Several properties linked to politicians were also attacked. Kathmandu airport remained operational, though some flights were cancelled due to smoke, officials said.

“I have resigned from the post of prime minister with effect from today, to take further steps towards a political solution,” Oli announced in a statement. His departure followed the resignations of three ministers, despite the government rolling back the social media ban.

Oli, 73, had dominated Nepal’s politics for decades, serving four times as prime minister since first taking office in 2015. His career spanned Nepal’s transition from monarchy to republic.

The protests highlight deep frustration among the country’s youth, who make up 43 per cent of the population. With unemployment at 10 per cent and per capita income just $1,447, analysts say the unrest reflects generational discontent at Nepal’s fragile governance.

Devadasan K P
Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.

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