• Protesters defied a curfew, storming the headquarters of the Nepali Congress, the country’s largest party, along with the homes of several senior politicians. The violence followed the killing of 19 people by security forces during earlier demonstrations.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli has resigned after three ministers stepped down amid deadly protests sparked by corruption allegations against the government, his aide confirmed, reported Al Jazeera.

In a letter to the president, Oli said his resignation was effective immediately, adding that he was stepping aside to allow Nepal to “take further steps towards a political solution and resolving the problems.”

The unrest escalated as protesters defied a curfew, storming the headquarters of the Nepali Congress, the country’s largest party, along with the homes of several senior politicians. The violence followed the killing of 19 people by security forces during earlier demonstrations.

On Monday night, the government lifted its ban on social media, which had fueled what organizers described as a “Gen Z protest” in Kathmandu and other major cities.

Kathmandu International Airport closed

Meanwhile, Nepal’s civil aviation authority announced the immediate closure of Kathmandu International Airport in response to the ongoing unrest.

Nepal’s crackdown on social media, which triggered deadly protests, reflects a global decline in internet freedoms as governments tighten control over online speech. Experts say the move follows a familiar “playbook” seen in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Freedom House reports internet freedom has dropped for the 14th straight year in 2024, with more people arrested for political, social, or religious views online.

India ‘deeply saddened’ by killings

India said it is “deeply saddened” by the killings, urging dialogue and restraint while closely monitoring the unrest. Nepal’s aviation authority confirmed partial closure of Kathmandu airport, with some flights disrupted.