Nepal descended into chaos on Tuesday as a Gen Z-led protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign while violent clashes triggered the escape of more than 13,500 prisoners from jails across the country.

 

Police have confirmed that inmates broke out of multiple prisons during unrest, leaving three officers dead in clashes. Viral videos showed hundreds of prisoners fleeing from Kathmandu’s Dilli Bazaar jail as soldiers struggled to stop them.

 

Authorities said police pulled back to their headquarters in most areas while the army began patrolling the capital. Soldiers announced curfew orders through loudspeakers as the crisis deepened.

 

Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel urged protesters to end the violence and choose dialogue, but the anger on the streets showed no signs of fading.

 

The protests erupted after Oli’s government banned social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube, accusing them of refusing to register under new regulations. Police fired on demonstrators in Kathmandu on Monday, killing 19 people. Although the government lifted the ban later that night, the protests exploded into a nationwide movement against corruption and political privilege.

 

Protesters set fire to the parliament building, Oli’s residence and the homes of senior leaders. In one of the deadliest incidents, demonstrators stormed the Dallu residence of former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, trapping his wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar inside before setting the house ablaze. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, where she is being treated. 

 

Videos showed Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, being chased and beaten in the streets. Kathmandu airport suspended operations as army helicopters evacuated ministers to secure locations.

 

Facing mounting pressure, Oli resigned on Tuesday.

 

Young protesters accuse Nepal’s leaders of corruption and highlight the lavish lifestyles of their children, branded 'Nepo Kids', while most youth struggle to find jobs.

 

The uprising, now known as the 'protest of Gen Z', has shaken the Himalayan nation.