Furious Crowds Torch Parliament and Government Offices
Smoke is rising over Kathmandu as protests by 'nepo kids' continue.
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned amidst widespread unrest following the deaths of 19 anti-corruption protesters in clashes with police on Monday.
On Tuesday, protesters set fire to parliament in Kathmandu, leading to thick black smoke filling the sky. Government buildings and political leaders' residences were also targeted across the country.
Three additional deaths were reported on Tuesday, and amid the chaos, 900 inmates escaped from two prisons in Nepal's western districts.
The protests began due to a ban on social media platforms, which was lifted on Monday. However, the protests had already escalated into a mass movement by then.
Nepal's army chief accused protesters of exploiting the crisis by damaging and looting public and private property. The army is prepared to take control of the situation if the unrest persists.
Following the prime minister's resignation, it remains uncertain who will succeed him or what steps will be taken next, as there appears to be a lack of leadership. Some leaders, including ministers, have sought refuge with security forces.
The protesters have not clearly articulated their demands beyond the general call for anti-corruption measures. The protests seem to be spontaneous without organized leadership.
In parliament, jubilant protesters danced and chanted slogans around a fire at the entrance, with some entering the building where windows were smashed, and anti-government graffiti was sprayed on the exterior.
Muna Shreshta, a 20-year-old Kathmandu resident, expressed the need for change in the nation's leadership to combat corruption and utilize taxes for the country's growth.
The government had ordered the blocking of 26 social media platforms for non-compliance before the ban was lifted. The ban was aimed at addressing fake news, hate speech, and online fraud, but was criticized by young people as an infringement on free speech.
The protests gained momentum after the ban was lifted, targeting the political elite and causing chaos in the nation. A government minister mentioned that the ban was lifted to address the demands of the younger generation.
Prior to the ban, a social media campaign highlighting politicians' children's lavish lifestyles and corruption allegations had gained traction. The protests intensified after young people attempted to storm the parliament building, leading to deaths and curfews in several districts.
Protests continued on Tuesday, with demonstrators setting fire to the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and the residence of its leader, Sher Bahadur Deuba. The house of former Prime Minister KP Oli was also set ablaze.
Oli resigned to allow for a constitutional resolution to the crisis, stating that he hopes to resolve the situation politically in accordance with the constitution. President Ramchandra Paudel has accepted the resignation and initiated discussions for a new leader.