Nepal Gen-Z Protests: Former PM K P Sharma Oli Resigns After Deadly Violence, Alleges Conspiracy
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Kathmandu, Sep 9 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has stepped down following violent Gen-Z protests in Nepal that have claimed at least 72 lives. In a statement issued after his resignation on Friday, Oli denied authorizing police to open fire on demonstrators and alleged that conspirators had infiltrated the protests, escalating the violence.
The turmoil marks one of Nepal’s bloodiest episodes of civil unrest in recent years, forcing a dramatic change in leadership as an apolitical government under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki assumes power with the mandate to conduct fresh elections by March 2026.
Oli’s Statement After Resignation
Speaking on Friday, a day after violent clashes gripped the country, Oli expressed shock at the scale of casualties. He alleged that automatic weapons not in police possession were used against the crowds on September 8, the first day of protests, when 19 people were killed in a single day.
“The use of automatic weapons not in police possession must be investigated. The youths were killed due to violence unleashed by conspirators who infiltrated the protests. Never in past movements were so many people killed in a single day,” Oli said.
The former Prime Minister insisted that his government had not issued orders for police to fire directly at protesters.
Scale of Violence and Destruction
According to police, at least 72 people have been confirmed dead in protest-related events so far. Among them were individuals found inside the Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Kathmandu, which was set ablaze by demonstrators.
Arson attacks also spread across Singh Durbar, Nepal’s main administrative hub, as well as the Supreme Court building, other judicial offices, parliamentary premises, political party offices, and private businesses.
The violence reached the homes of Nepal’s top leaders. Oli’s own residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur was badly damaged. Residences of other former Prime Ministers, including Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ and Jhalanth Khanal, were also attacked.
Oli Under Army Protection
As the violence intensified, Oli came under the protection of the Nepal Army. However, he left the security detail on Thursday and has reportedly relocated to a rented house in Gundu, Bhaktapur, about 12 kilometers from the capital Kathmandu.
Residents in Bhaktapur described the situation as tense. An eyewitness from the Balkot neighborhood said:
“We heard gunfire and saw flames rising from houses. People were running in all directions. It felt like the state had lost control.”
Criticism of Oli’s Leadership
Oli’s resignation comes amid mounting criticism of his tenure. Analysts and critics argue that he projected an image of stability and prosperity even as corruption scandals surfaced repeatedly during his rule. Some of these scandals reportedly linked directly to Oli and his associates, further weakening public trust.
Local political commentator Ramesh Shrestha noted:
“Oli underestimated the anger of the youth. The Gen-Z protests reflected years of frustration with corruption and lack of opportunities. His resignation was inevitable after the scale of bloodshed.”
The Rise of Gen-Z Protests
The protests, largely led by Nepal’s youth, erupted on September 8 over grievances ranging from corruption, unemployment, and lack of reforms to broader frustrations with the political elite. What began as peaceful gatherings quickly spiraled into violent confrontations with security forces and targeted attacks on state institutions.
Observers say this new wave of activism marks a generational shift, with younger citizens demanding accountability and rejecting traditional political narratives.
New Interim Government Formed
Following Oli’s departure on September 9, Nepal’s political establishment agreed to form an interim, apolitical government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
The caretaker administration has been tasked with restoring order and preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. The decision aims to provide stability and reassure citizens after days of unrest.
International observers, including representatives from neighboring India and China, have called for calm, urging the new government to safeguard democratic processes while addressing citizens’ grievances.
Why This Matters for Nepal
The Gen-Z protests and Oli’s resignation have wide implications for Nepal’s political and social landscape:
- Youth-led activism: The protests highlight growing frustration among young Nepalis, who make up the majority of the population but face limited economic opportunities.
- Challenge to traditional politics: Established leaders across party lines are now under pressure to respond to demands for accountability and reform.
- National stability at risk: With widespread destruction of government buildings and infrastructure, restoring order will be a significant challenge for the interim administration.
- International attention: The crisis has drawn regional and global focus, with Nepal’s fragile democratic institutions under scrutiny.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The resignation of K P Sharma Oli amid Nepal’s Gen-Z protests underscores a turning point in the country’s political trajectory. What began as a youth-led movement against corruption and misgovernance has spiraled into one of the deadliest waves of unrest in recent years.
As Nepal transitions under a caretaker government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, the central question remains whether the demands of the youth can be addressed before the next elections. The events of September 8 and 9 will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment, testing both Nepal’s democratic resilience and its ability to forge a new political path.