What Are Protestors in Nepal Demanding for Government Overhaul?

New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) Enormous protests have erupted throughout Nepal, predominantly featuring Gen Z activists on Tuesday who are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's government, accusing it of extensive corruption and misuse of authority.

The protests intensified earlier this week when the government lifted a temporary ban on social media applications, a move that was intended to quell the rising unrest but instead fueled public outrage. Violent confrontations between protesters and police have tragically resulted in at least 19 fatalities.

IANS spoke with numerous participants on the ground, who voiced their frustrations and urgent demands for change. One young protester stated, “The current administration is exploiting the youth. They’re corrupt and oblivious to our struggles. We want leadership that genuinely cares for its people.”

Another protester, Bharat, expressed, “We have a singular demand — to eradicate corruption in Nepal. We confront it daily. Many of my friends were shot dead on the spot. I carried some of them to the hospital. The situation is deteriorating. We seek a government that stands against corruption. Our current leaders are deeply corrupt, and we want change. Look around — so many young lives are lost daily. The youth of Nepal are in distress, and the situation is dire.”

As sporadic protests continued in the capital, Kathmandu, and beyond against the government’s violent response to the Gen Z protests, local authorities have reinstated a curfew in the valley.

In response to the tragic deaths, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, and the Nepali government lifted the ban on social media without formal announcement. On the same day, another minister from Prime Minister Oli's Cabinet resigned, citing the violence against young protesters.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ram Nath Adhikari stated that he could not remain in his position while witnessing the nation’s suffering due to state violence, questioning if the government is moving towards a totalitarian regime.

Today, sporadic protests broke out across various locations in Kathmandu Valley, prompting local administrations to impose a curfew that restricts public assembly. Three District Administration Offices (DAOs) issued notices to enforce curfews in several areas, targeting key entry points to core cities.

The DAO of Kathmandu reinstated the curfew within the Kathmandu Metropolitan City boundaries, prohibiting movement, assembly, demonstrations, and gatherings starting at 8:30 A.M. The local administration has focused on critical entry points outside the Ring Road to prevent access to the city.

During the curfew, security forces will allow the movement of essential service vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks, and health workers, among others, as stated in an early morning notice.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been closely monitoring the escalating situation in Nepal amid the large protests. In an advisory, the MEA urged Indian nationals in Nepal to proceed with caution and adhere to the directives from Nepali authorities.

The Indian government expressed deep condolences over the loss of young lives amidst the violent unrest surrounding social media restrictions. Reports indicate that what began as peaceful demonstrations quickly descended into chaos, resulting in 19 casualties.

In a statement released today, the MEA said, “We are closely following developments in Nepal and are deeply saddened by the loss of so many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We also wish a swift recovery to those injured.”