Nepal: Facing one of the biggest challenges of his tenure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday called an all-party meeting amid nationwide protests led by Nepal’s Generation Z against alleged corruption.

"I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion. For that, I have also called an all-party meeting at 6 pm today. I humbly request all brothers and sisters to remain calm in this difficult situation," the Nepal Prime Minister said in an appeal.

How have the protests escalated?

Among the most notable incidents, protesters set fire to the home of President Ram Chandra Poudel. Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators moving through the President’s residence and causing damage.

According to The Kathmandu Post, demonstrators attacked and vandalised several residences of political leaders and ministers. Protesters set fire to the house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, and pelted stones at the residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

They also attempted to attack the house of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha but were stopped. Stones were also thrown at the residence of opposition leader and CPN-MC chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The unrest spread to several provinces, where chief ministers, provincial ministers and other leaders were also targeted, despite increased security deployments.

What measures have authorities taken?

Protesters clashed with security personnel in Kathmandu, prompting police to use tear gas. Curfews have been imposed in multiple districts, according to The Himalayan Press.

  • In Kathmandu and Lalitpur, restrictions were placed in Bhaisepati, Sanepa, Chyasal, and central Kathmandu.
  • In Kavrepalanchok, a curfew began at 12.15 pm after rising violence, with highways shut.
  • In Koshi Province (Biratnagar, Morang), curfew hours were set between 11 am and 10 pm across key intersections.
  • In Birgunj, Parsa, restrictions applied from 11 am to 6 pm in the city’s market area.
  • In Makwanpur, protesters blocked the East-West Highway with burning tyres, disrupting traffic.

Additional security personnel have been deployed across affected areas.

How many have been affected so far?

At least 19 people have died and more than 200 have been injured in the ‘Gen-Z’ protests, which began after a government-imposed social media ban. Although the ban was lifted on Monday night, demonstrations resumed on Tuesday with protesters defying curfew orders.

Who has resigned from the government?

Political fallout has deepened with resignations from senior ministers.

Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari resigned on Tuesday, condemning the government’s crackdown. Associated with the Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress, Adhikari cited the government’s “authoritarian response” during Monday’s protests.

Earlier, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also stepped down, taking moral responsibility for the government’s handling of the situation.