Fresh tension erupted in Kathmandu on Tuesday, as hundreds of youngsters took to the streets to protest against corruption, a day after a similar agitation against a ban on social media left 19 people dead.
Demanding Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation, protesters defied curbs on public gatherings and reportedly burnt tyres to block roads from the early hours of the morning in Kalanki. They shouted slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (K P Sharma Oli is a thief, quit the country), “Take action against corrupt leaders”. The agitators also targeted the residences of President Ram Chandra Poudel and ministers, including Mr Gurung.
In a statement, Mr Oli appealed for peace and called for dialogue with the protesters.
As tensions escalated, several Cabinet ministers either quit or announced their intention to resign, citing the government’s ignorance towards the protesters’ grievances.
Twenty-six social media sites were banned on Friday over their failure to register with the government. The ban was lifted following a massive protest on Monday.
