Nepal in Turmoil: PM Oli Resigns Amid Violent Protests and Arson Attacks

Kathmandu (The Uttam Hindu): Neighboring country Nepal is going through a major political crisis and civil war-like situation. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned from his post amid violent protests in many cities including the capital Kathmandu. The angry mob has set fire to the houses of many big leaders including the Prime Minister's private residence and the protesters have also entered the Parliament building.

This rebellion started on Sunday evening against the ban imposed by the government on social media, which has now turned into a big 'people's rebellion'. Thousands of protesters are on the streets under the banner of 'Gen Z' (young generation). Slogans like 'KP thief, leave the country' and 'take action against corrupt leaders' are echoing in many parts of the capital.

On Tuesday, protesters set fire to Prime Minister Oli's personal residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur. However, Oli is currently said to be safe at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar. Apart from this, the house of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in Naikap, Kathmandu was also set on fire.

In fact, on Monday, the police brutally used force on the youth protesting against the social media ban, in which 19 people died and more than 300 people were injured. After this incident, the then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned from his post, but by then the situation had gone out of control.

However, according to the Constitution of Nepal, the resignation of the Prime Minister will not bring down the government. In Nepal, the Prime Minister is the head of the executive, while the President has the status of being the head of the government. But according to sources, President Ram Chandra Paudel may also resign from the post in view of the deteriorating situation. If this happens, a major constitutional crisis will arise in the country. At present, no official statement has been issued on this.