Nepal president urges protesters to join talks, confirms KP Oli's resignation
The president appealed for cooperation from all sides, including the youth-led demonstrators, to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis
Nepal's President Ram Chandra Poudel has called on protesters to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue, confirming that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation has been formally accepted.
The president appealed for cooperation from all sides, including the youth-led demonstrators, to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis, reports BBC.
"In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be resolved through talks and dialogue, including with representatives of Gen Z," Poudel said in his statement.
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Earlier in the day, hours before Oli's resignation, the protesters set on fire the Nepalese leader's private house in Balkot, and attacked residences of former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Communication minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, and former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife.
The protesters also attacked the private residence of President Paudel.
Protesters also vandalised and torched Nepal's Parliament, while the Supreme Court building in Kathmandu was also set ablaze, as violent demonstrations continued for a third day.
Presidential press advisor Kiran Pokharel told the BBC that Oli's resignation was accepted in line with constitutional provisions.
"His resignation has been accepted in accordance with the constitution and he has been entrusted with the responsibility of the caretaker government until further arrangements are made," Pokharel said. "The president has already initiated consultations at the highest level to move the process forward in accordance with the constitution."
The resignation comes after youth-led demonstrations, spearheaded by Nepal's "Gen Z protesters," escalated into nationwide unrest.
At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured during clashes with security forces. The protests erupted after the government attempted to impose a sweeping ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, sparking anger among young Nepalese.
Nepal Army analysing the developments, appeals for restraint
The Nepal Army has stated that it is analysing the developments of the Gen Z movement, stating that it is committed to protecting Nepal's independence, sovereignty, geographical integrity, independence, national unity, and the lives and property of the Nepali people even in difficult circumstances.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations and Information Directorate at the military base, "all young people and countrymen" have been requested to exercise restraint while maintaining social harmony and national unity to prevent the current situation from becoming further complicated.
