Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Resigns After Deadly Gen-Z Protests Result In 19 Deaths

Nepal's Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, has resigned following the deaths of 19 individuals during Gen-Z protests. He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during a cabinet meeting. The protests, sparked by government restrictions on social media and governance issues, turned violent in several cities, including Kathmandu.

Earlier, Lekhak informed Congress party members about his decision to resign, citing the loss of lives as "unimaginable." He faced increasing and political criticism over the handling of the protests. Lekhak stated it would be unethical to remain in office amid such tragedy.

Gen-Z Protests: A Deadly Turn

The Ministry of Health and Population reported that 19 protesters have died, with 16 fatalities occurring in Kathmandu alone. Additionally, 347 individuals are receiving medical treatment across various hospitals. The protests erupted due to the government's shutdown of social media platforms and broader frustrations over governance and economic inequality.

Protests have spread across multiple districts, leading to curfews in Butwal, Bhairahawa, and Itahari. In Damak, demonstrators threw stones at PM Oli's private residence. The East-West Highway was blocked with burning tyres. Police responded with warning shots and live ammunition in some instances, resulting in further casualties.

Political Pressure Mounts on PM Oli

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has increased political pressure by demanding Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation. RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti condemned the government's "brutal crackdown" on Gen-Z protesters. The party called for fresh national elections, asserting that the government has lost its moral and political legitimacy.

An urgent cabinet meeting is underway at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar as the administration attempts to manage the rapidly worsening situation. Despite curfews and a heavy police presence, protesters remain defiant in Kathmandu's streets and beyond.

With casualties rising and political pressure intensifying, Nepal faces both a humanitarian crisis and growing demands for democratic reform. The nation stands at a critical juncture as it grapples with these challenges.