Nepal in Crisis: Deadly Protests, Prime Minister Resigns Amid Growing Unrest

By Manisha Sahu / updated on 09 September 2025

Nepal is in the midst of one of its worst political crises in decades, as violent protests have left at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The situation has escalated over the past few days, sparking widespread unrest due to accusations of corruption, government-imposed restrictions on social media, and the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a fresh travel advisory on Tuesday, urging Indian nationals to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes. For those already in the country, the MEA recommended that they stay indoors, avoid venturing onto the streets, and adhere to safety instructions from local authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

Timeline of the Crisis

The protests erupted on September 7, 2025, following the Nepalese government’s decision to impose a sweeping ban on social media platforms. The ban was seen as an attempt to curtail the growing wave of online dissent against corruption in the government. However, the crackdown only intensified frustrations, particularly among Nepal’s youth, who are already disillusioned by the country’s stagnating economy and lack of opportunities.

By September 8, demonstrators had taken to the streets in large numbers, chanting slogans against the government and clashing with security forces. They burned tires, threw stones, and set fire to political offices, including the home of a senior politician in Kathmandu. The protests quickly turned violent, and by the morning of September 9, Nepal’s capital saw widespread destruction, with protestors setting fire to the Parliament complex and clashing with police forces.

In response, the government imposed a curfew across Kathmandu and other cities, but the violence only escalated. Local reports suggest that some political leaders were airlifted by military helicopters to safety as the situation grew more perilous.

Prime Minister Oli Steps Down Amid Pressure

In the wake of this chaos, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who had been in office since July 2024, announced his resignation on September 9, 2025. In his resignation letter, Oli expressed that he was stepping down to “facilitate the solution to the problem and help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution.” His resignation was promptly accepted by President Ramchandra Paudel, and discussions have already begun regarding the selection of a new leader.

Oli’s departure, while seen as a political maneuver to ease tensions, has done little to quell the anger among the public. The resignation of two of Oli’s cabinet colleagues late on September 8, citing “moral grounds,” further undermined the government’s credibility.

Nepal’s army also issued an appeal on social media platforms, urging citizens to “exercise restraint” following Oli’s resignation, but the damage had already been done. While the army’s call for calm sought to control the situation, many protesters, particularly those from the younger generation, remain adamant that their demands for systemic change will not be ignored.

Underlying Causes of Unrest

The ongoing unrest is fueled by a multitude of factors, but central to the protests is widespread frustration with corruption and the lack of economic opportunities. Protesters, particularly young people, have expressed their anger over government inefficiency and the poor state of public services.

Robin Sreshtha, a 22-year-old protester, shared his sentiments with Reuters, saying, “We are still standing here for our future. We want this country to be corruption-free so that everyone can easily access education, healthcare, and a brighter future.” This sentiment reflects the growing disillusionment with a political system that many feel has failed to deliver basic rights to its citizens.

The government’s imposition of the social media ban was also seen as an attempt to silence critics and suppress the growing political dissent that has been gaining momentum online. While the ban was lifted after widespread protests, it only served to deepen the rift between the government and the people. Many have accused the authorities of being more concerned with maintaining power than addressing the legitimate grievances of the public.

International Concerns and MEA Advisory

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence in Nepal. On September 9, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement calling the situation “deeply saddening” and urged Indian nationals to avoid traveling to Nepal until the situation stabilizes.

The advisory also included contact numbers for Indians currently in Nepal who may need assistance. The MEA urged citizens to follow local guidelines and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

India, being Nepal’s neighbor and a close ally, has been particularly concerned about the potential for the unrest to spill over the border, as both countries share strong cultural, historical, and economic ties. The region’s political stability is essential not only for Nepal but for the broader South Asian region as well.

The Path Forward

While Prime Minister Oli’s resignation has temporarily quelled some of the immediate tensions, it is unclear whether this will be enough to stabilize the country in the long run. Political analysts believe that Nepal’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether the unrest will lead to meaningful reforms or if it will deepen the country’s crisis.

The next few weeks will be critical in shaping the political future of Nepal. Will the new leadership be able to address the concerns of the people and restore trust in the government, or will the political instability persist?

One thing is clear: the people of Nepal have made their voices heard, and the political class will have to address their demands for a brighter, more equitable future.

For those monitoring the situation, the developments in Nepal are far from over, and the international community, along with Indian citizens, will be watching closely in the coming days.

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