Nepal’s army has deployed patrols across Kathmandu after anti-corruption protests spiraled into the country’s worst unrest in decades, leaving more than 20 people dead and government buildings in flames.
What began as peaceful demonstrations led by “Gen Z” activists against corruption, nepotism, and a controversial social media ban erupted into arson and street violence on Tuesday. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after protesters stormed and set fire to parliament, ransacked politicians’ homes, and torched government complexes.
The youth-led movement has sought to distance itself from the destruction, accusing “opportunist infiltrators” of hijacking their cause. “Our movement was and remains non-violent and rooted in the principles of peaceful civic engagement,” protesters said in a statement, adding that they were working to safeguard citizens and public property.
By Wednesday morning, the streets of the capital were calmer, but smoke still rose from charred vehicles and damaged buildings. Authorities imposed a nationwide curfew until Thursday, warning that anyone involved in looting or vandalism would face punishment. The army said it had arrested 27 people and recovered 31 firearms during operations to quell the unrest.
The violence escalated after Oli’s failed attempt to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Although the ban was lifted Monday night, the crackdown—combined with simmering anger over corruption and a viral “nepo kid” campaign exposing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children—ignited protests across the country.
In Kathmandu, protesters torched the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and vandalized the home of its leader, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The Singha Durbar, a sprawling government office complex, was stormed, while the Supreme Court announced it was postponing hearings indefinitely after its facilities were severely damaged by fire.
Oli, in his resignation letter, said he was stepping down to allow a “constitutional solution” to the crisis. But with no clear successor and growing public distrust of political elites, Nepal now faces a dangerous leadership vacuum.
Protest leaders insist their goal remains unchanged: a transparent government led by “qualified, non-corrupt leaders” free from entrenched party loyalties. “Our intent has never been to disrupt daily life or to allow others to misuse our peaceful initiative,” they said.
As the army blames anarchist groups for the destruction and patrols the streets to prevent further violence, Nepal remains on edge—its young protesters demanding change, and its fragile democracy teetering amid the flames.