Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel has stepped down, following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The political shake-up comes after widespread protests against corruption and nepotism, which have gripped the country in recent days, reports NDTV.
The protests, largely led by Generation Z, have been marked by defiance of curfews and violent clashes with security forces.
Nepal ex-PM’s wife burnt alive
Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of Nepal’s ex-prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, died on Tuesday after protesters set her house on fire in Kathmandu.
Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, where she died during the treatment, media reports say.
Social media ban triggered unrest
The unrest began after Prime Minister Oli imposed a controversial ban on several social media platforms last week. The government lifted the ban early Tuesday after the protests escalated into violent confrontations.
At least 22 individuals have been killed, and many others have been injured as the protests, which started on Monday, show no signs of abating.
India closely monitoring developments
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern, closely monitoring the unfolding situation. The Indian government has extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Reports suggest that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is considering traveling to Dubai for medical treatment.
While the social media ban was the initial catalyst for the protests, it has also shed light on broader issues of governmental corruption and mismanagement.
