Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli Resigns Amid Violent Protests; India Places Border on High Alert
Nepal is engulfed in its most severe political crisis in recent years after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, following massive anti-corruption protests that turned deadly. The unrest triggered a nationwide upheaval, including violent clashes between protesters and police, the burning of government buildings, and a high alert along the India-Nepal border to prevent spillover of instability.
Who and What Happened?
KP Sharma Oli, 72, Nepal’s Prime Minister since July 2024, submitted his resignation to President Ramchandra Paudel in the wake of mounting public fury. The protests, known as the “Gen Z protests,” were initially sparked by a controversial government ban on major social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube, imposed due to alleged non-compliance with local regulations. However, the movement quickly expanded to express generalized frustration over corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation.
The protests escalated into violent confrontations with security forces on September 7 and 8, resulting in at least 19 deaths and over 300 injuries, according to Human Rights Watch. Protesters clashed with police using tear gas, live ammunition, rubber bullets, and water cannons in the capital Kathmandu and other cities. On September 9, crowds stormed the parliament complex, setting fire to parts of the building and torching residences of top political figures, including the Prime Minister and the President. Political party offices were vandalized, and several senior officials resigned amid the turmoil.
Why Did Oli Resign?
Facing unprecedented pressure, Oli cited the deteriorating situation as a reason for stepping down. In his resignation letter, he stated his intent to enable a peaceful political resolution and uphold Nepal’s constitutional processes. Yet, supporters and opposition alike criticized his handling of the crisis, saying the government’s failure to address deep-seated corruption and youth unemployment led to the outbreak of unrest.
“The Nepal government has collapsed; the youth have triumphed,” proclaimed protest leader Sudan Gurung via social media, underscoring the movement’s drive for systemic change.
Impact on India-Nepal Border
Given the porous and extensive 1,751-kilometer India-Nepal border, Indian authorities heightened vigilance to prevent unrest from spilling across. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), responsible for guarding the frontier, increased deployments and patrolled checkpoints intensively in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh bordering Nepal, including Maharajganj, Bahraich, and Balrampur.
Officials confirmed that the alert is precautionary, focusing on maintaining law and order while ensuring the smooth movement of people across the open border. “Operation Kavach” committees have been activated for strict surveillance and coordination with local agencies to prevent possible tensions or illegal movements amid the turmoil.
Expert and Eyewitness Views
Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel appealed for calm in a video message, urging protesters to end violence and engage in dialogue to preserve lives and property. The United States expressed concern and appealed to all parties to avoid further violence, emphasizing continued support for Nepal’s democratic governance.
Nepalese journalist Sahana Vajracharya described the protests: “Thousands of young people, many in school uniforms, marched peacefully demanding justice and reforms, but security forces’ forceful crackdown turned it into the bloodiest crisis in a decade.”
Background
Nepal has experienced political instability in recent years, with frequent changes in leadership and public dissatisfaction over governance. The 2025 protests reflect deep frustration among the youth, who feel excluded from economic opportunities and burdened by entrenched corruption among elite families.
What’s Next?
President Ramchandra Paudel has started consultations with political leaders and protest representatives to pave the way for a new government. A peaceful resolution hinges on political dialogue to restore stability and address the protesters’ calls for reform.
Meanwhile, security forces in Nepal and India maintain heightened readiness to manage any escalation. The situation remains fragile as Nepal navigates an unprecedented political crossroads with regional implications.
Summary
NP Sharma Oli’s resignation amid deadly protests marks a historic turning point in Nepal’s politics driven by youth-led anti-corruption movements. The unfolding crisis has prompted increased security measures at the India-Nepal border to safeguard regional peace. The next steps involve sensitive negotiations to restore democratic order and address the grievances fueling unrest in Nepal’s Himalayan democracy.
