Political Crisis in Nepal Escalates as PM Resigns and Army Takes Control
Nepal is facing a constitutional and administrative vacuum after Prime Minister K.P. Oli resigned amid violent, youth-led anti-corruption protests that have left at least 19 dead. Demonstrators torched major government buildings, including Parliament and the Supreme Court. The Nepal Army has taken control of security in Kathmandu, imposing a curfew and deploying personnel across the capital. India has issued emergency contact numbers for its stranded nationals, while several airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights to Kathmandu.
Unpacked:
The protests were sparked by a government ban on social media, but quickly grew into a broader movement against political corruption and nepotism, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and the creation of an independent anti-corruption watchdog.
Authorities imposed curfews in several cities, deployed the Nepal Army to support security forces, and used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against protesters, resulting in at least 19 deaths and over 300 injuries.
With Prime Minister K.P. Oli’s resignation, Nepal is experiencing a constitutional and administrative vacuum. The government’s heavy-handed response and ongoing unrest have left the country without clear leadership or direction.
Airlines like Air India and IndiGo suspended flights due to security concerns from the unrest. India issued emergency contacts to assist its nationals stranded in Nepal, reflecting both countries’ close ties and the impact of the crisis on regional travel and safety.