The KP Oli government in Nepal is facing intense pressure following violent protests. The government reversed its decision on social media restrictions after a late-night cabinet meeting. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, but the protesters’ demands are escalating, now explicitly calling for Prime Minister KP Oli’s resignation.
Protesters in Kathmandu express deep anger, vowing to continue their demonstrations, which now target corruption rather than just the social media ban. Accounts indicate that children in school uniforms were shot during the demonstrations. The protesters are questioning the government’s empathy for the families of the deceased.
Demonstrators are emphasizing that children, aged 18-19, were shot in the head. They demand the government’s removal and the formation of a new administration, insisting on the Prime Minister’s resignation and the end of the current government. The movement will persist until the government is ousted. Security forces are present in large numbers on the streets of Kathmandu to contain the protests.
At least 21 people have lost their lives.
The protests were sparked by the Oli government’s recent ban on social media platforms. The government cited regulations as the reason for blocking 26 platforms, including popular ones like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. The Nepali government had previously ordered all social media platforms to register within seven days, following a Supreme Court order.
The government is accused of stifling free speech and using the social media ban to conceal corruption. Critics point out that Chinese social media platforms were not blocked. The National Human Rights Commission of Nepal has urged the government and police to show restraint in managing the protests, given the escalating situation.