Nepal protesters set parliament ablaze following PM's resignation

Protesters in Kathmandu ignored a curfew, broke into the parliament building, and set parts of it on fire. They had earlier attacked the office of the Nepali Congress, the country's biggest political party, and the homes of several prominent politicians.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday as anti-corruption protests intensified. His resignation came a day after security forces killed 19 people during violent demonstrations triggered by a social media ban.

Excited young protesters rushed into the parliament complex after hearing the news, waving and shouting slogans while smoke rose from the building.
Oli's government had lifted the social media ban on Monday after police used live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber bullets against demonstrators trying to storm parliament, which left more than 100 people injured.

Protesters painted messages of victory on the parliament walls and flashed "V" signs, celebrating Oli's resignation. Witnesses said there were no clashes afterward, as security forces did not intervene.

The unrest is the worst Nepal has seen in years, even more violent than a 2006 uprising that ended the king's executive powers and killed 18 people. In 2008, parliament formally abolished the monarchy.

Many Nepalis are frustrated with the republic, citing ongoing political instability. In March, two people died during a rally by supporters of the former king demanding the monarchy's return.

Although Oli has stepped down, it is unclear if protests will end, as many demonstrators are calling for the entire government to be dissolved-a move that could further destabilize Nepal, which has seen 13 governments since 2008.

Meanwhile, the Nepalese Army has issued a public appeal urging citizens, particularly the youths to remain calm and exercise restraint in the middle of the ongoing Gen Z-led protests across the country, reports BBC.

In an official statement from the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the Nepalese Army said, "Considering the current situation, it is our shared responsibility to prevent further escalation, preserve social harmony, and maintain national unity."

The Army Headquarters in Nepal stated that it is analyzing the developments of the ongoing restless circumstances and emphasized the military forces' continued commitment to safeguarding Nepal's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity and the lives and property of its citizens.

Chief of Staff of Nepalese Army General Ashok Raj Sigdel is scheduled to address the nation about the latest state of affairs following the Gen Z protests.

Sources close to Nepalese law and order forces, Nepali news outlet Setopati reported that the Army Chief in Nepal will also call upon all citizens to keep up peace and stability.

The army's appeal comes in the middle of escalating demonstrations by Gen Z youths as reports indicate that arson attacks and vandalism have occurred at Singha Durbar, the Federal Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Special Court, district courts, office of the Attorney General, land revenue offices, business enterprises, hotels and the residences and offices of top political leaders.

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