Nepal Home Minister resigns after 19 killed during Gen-Z revoltuion

Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned, taking moral responsibility for the deaths of at least 19 people during nationwide protests that have plunged the country into its deadliest unrest in two decades. The demonstrations, primarily led by the youth and dubbed the 'Gen-Z Revolution,' were sparked by a controversial government ban on social media platforms but are rooted in deeper public frustration over corruption and poor governance. The escalating violence has forced the government to impose curfews in several cities and deploy the army to restore order.

The catalyst for the protests was the government’s recent decision to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, for failing to comply with local registration laws. While the government defended the ban as a regulatory measure, for many young Nepalis, it was seen as a blatant attempt at censorship and a direct affront to their freedom of expression. This move ignited simmering discontent among the tech-savvy youth, who have been using social media to voice their anger against institutionalized corruption and nepotism.

The protests, which began peacefully, quickly turned violent, particularly in the capital city of Kathmandu. Clashes with security forces escalated as thousands of demonstrators attempted to breach barricades and storm the parliament building in the New Baneshwor area. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and, in some cases, live ammunition, leading to the tragic loss of life and leaving hundreds injured. The violence shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations.

The political fallout was swift and severe. Under immense pressure from within his own party and the public, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Lekhak’s resignation, which he submitted on "moral grounds," is seen as an acknowledgement of the government's failure to handle the crisis without resorting to excessive force. His departure, however, may not be enough to quell the public’s anger, as many are now calling for the resignation of the entire government.

The demonstrations have spread beyond Kathmandu to other major cities, including Itahari, Butwal, and Bhairahawa, where authorities have also enforced curfews. The government’s decision to deploy the Nepal Army signals the severity of the situation and its struggle to contain the unrest. Protesters have rejected the government's official explanation for the social media ban, asserting that their movement is a fight for systemic change and accountability.