Nepal’s prime minister resigned Tuesday after days of mass protests over a social media ban and official corruption, as violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces escalated into widespread destruction. Videos circulating on social media showed thousands of protesters gathering in the streets, burning down Communist party headquarters and attacking government buildings.
The unrest intensified when police opened fire on crowds during a demonstration, killing at least 19 people on Monday. Protesters also set fire to the homes of senior political figures, including Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the Nepali Congress party, and former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The Parliament building in Kathmandu was torched, while the country’s main airport closed amid security concerns.
Local media reported that helicopters were used to evacuate ministers from their residences as tensions flared. A former politician’s wife was killed after her home was set ablaze during the chaos. The protests, driven by widespread anger over corruption and limited opportunities, were led by younger activists who had initially rallied against the government’s social media restrictions.
The crisis has plunged Nepal into turmoil, with streets filled with smoke and ongoing clashes between demonstrators and authorities.