Student Protests Sweep Nepal, Call for PM Oli’s Resignation

Speedy Summary:

• Fresh anti-government protests have erupted across Nepal, led by students demanding Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation.
• Demonstrators blocked roads, chanted slogans against corruption, and vandalized homes of political leaders.
• Violent clashes on Monday had left 19 dead and over 300 injured. Curfews were enforced in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur after the unrest.
• Protesters defied restrictions on public gatherings in areas such as Kalanki and Baneshwor in Kathmandu, pelting stones at residences of ministers and vandalizing houses of former PMs Pushpa Kamal Dahal (‘Prachanda’) and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
• Slogans like “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (K P Sharma Oli is a thief; leave the contry) were chanted during demonstrations.
• Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung faced backlash for ordering a social media ban; his residence was also targeted by protesters.
• The Nepali Army took control of parts of the capital as tensions escalated near Parliament premises.
• Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned following government criticism over handling protest-related violence.

!Nepal Protest

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The escalating protests in Nepal reflect deep-seated dissatisfaction with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s governance amidst allegations of corruption and restrictive measures like social media bans. The violent nature of these demonstrations coupled with curfews highlights growing instability within Nepal’s political landscape. For India-a neighbor with historically intertwined ties-such instability could have regional implications ranging from strained bilateral engagements to concerns about cross-border security.Youth-led movements signal shifting dynamics within nepal’s polity where demands for transparency are becoming more vocal amidst governance challenges. India’s focus may need to be on maintaining robust diplomatic channels while monitoring potential impacts on trade routes or migration flows across shared borders amid rising unrest.

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