Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday following violent protests against the government’s ban on social media that resulted in 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
In a statement to the President, Oli conveyed, “I have submitted my resignation as Prime Minister today to facilitate the necessary political actions and resolve issues.”
In response to the unrest, the Nepalese government lifted its social media ban, which had prompted protests demanding its repeal and action against corruption.
A reporter from the AFP in Kathmandu noted that by Tuesday morning, all major social media platforms were operational again.
Local media outlets reported that Minister of Information Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the ban was lifted after an emergency cabinet meeting.
This decision followed the police’s violent response on Monday, when at least 19 individuals were killed during protests in Kathmandu involving thousands of young demonstrators opposing the social media ban and government corruption.
Before his resignation, Prime Minister Oli had initiated an investigation into the protests, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation that led to the loss of life.
Oli mentioned in his letter that “the government does not support the cessation of social media use and will ensure a suitable environment for its operation.”
He also announced that a commission would be formed to investigate and analyze the circumstances surrounding the protests.