KATHMANDU: The whole nation descended into flames and turmoil as Gen-Z protests left state infrastructure in shambles, forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led coalition government with Nepali Congress to resign and prompting urgent appeals for dialogue and calm from President Ramchandra Paudel and the Nepali Army.

After the killing of 19 people, on the second day of the movement, Tuesday, in the capital Kathmandu as well as across the country, ordinary citizens along with some political parties intensified the Gen-Z movement. Ultimately, with the support of state security forces, they took control of all key infrastructures, and the movement became centred on pressuring the leaders.

Prez. Paudel appeals for dialogue

In a press note issued by the Office of the President, President Ramchandra Paudel urged all Gen-Z protestors and concerned parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.

Highlighting that grievances in a democracy can only be addressed through negotiations, Paudel appealed for restraint and calmness.

“With Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation already accepted, I firmly believe that all sides, out of respect for the people, the nation, and democracy itself, will cooperate in seeking a solution,” the President said.

He expressed confidence that dialogue with Gen-Z representatives and other stakeholders could pave the way toward a peaceful settlement.

Army appeals

The Nepali Army has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives of the Nepali people, appealing for restraint and unity as the country grapples with escalating unrest.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Nepali Army Headquarters underscored that protecting the nation’s historical, cultural, archaeological, and national assets is a shared responsibility of all citizens.

The call comes in the wake of frenzied demonstrations led by the Gen-Z movement, which over the past two days left more than 22 demonstrators dead.

The protests spiraled into large-scale arson attacks, with government offices, including those of the President, Prime Minister, Singha Durbar, the main administrative hub of the government, and houses of senior ministers, torched and key infrastructures reduced to rubble.

“The Nepali Army, ever dedicated to the security and welfare of Nepal and its people, remains committed to protecting lives and property,” the statement read. “In these difficult times, it is our collective duty to safeguard the nation’s historical, cultural, and national heritage. Therefore, we earnestly urge the youth and the broader public to maintain restraint, uphold social harmony, and preserve national unity to prevent the situation from worsening.”

PM Oli ultimately resigns

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli tendered his resignation on Tuesday, citing the extraordinary national crisis triggered by the Gen-Z movement.

“Honourable President, in accordance with Article 77(1) (a) of the Constitution of Nepal, I hereby resign from the post of Prime Minister, effective today, in light of the abnormal situation in the country and to facilitate a constitutional and political way forward.”

Oli, appointed in July 2024 under Article 76(2), was compelled to step down after protests spiraled beyond government control.

Resignation approved

President Ramchandra Paudel has officially accepted the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, according to presidential press advisor Kiran Pokharel.

Oli’s departure follows intensifying demonstrations that have engulfed Nepal in widespread protests, leaving state institutions in shambles and the political leadership in turmoil.

Key infrastructures set ablaze

Further, the demonstrators on Tuesday stormed Singha Durbar, the nation’s main administrative hub, and set fire to all government ministries housed within. Eyewitnesses confirmed that protesters forced their way inside and carried out arson attacks.

The Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, and several other ministries have been engulfed in flames, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing from the heart of the administrative hub.

Earlier, other key national institutions — including the Parliament building, the Office of the President, the Supreme Court, police stations, political party headquarters, and even residences of political leaders — had been torched and reduced to rubble amid escalating unrest.

Vehicles inside the Supreme Court premises were set on fire, according to Supreme Court Assistant Spokesperson Nirajan Pandey.

Protesters also vandalised and set fire to the Office of the Attorney General. Similarly, arson was reported at the Special Court and the Kathmandu District Court.

Files and case documents from the Office of the Attorney General, the Special Court, and the Kathmandu District Court were taken outside and set on fire.

TIA shut down

Meanwhile, the Tribhuvan International Airport has been closed, according to the arrivals and departures board on its website. The board currently shows no domestic or international flights scheduled to or from the airport, instead the website says ‘airport closed.’

Earlier, domestic flights had almost come to a standstill due to security concerns.

Three policemen, two protestors killed

In an aggressive escalation, three police officers were killed in Koteshwor, Kathmandu, after Gen-Z demonstrators attacked a local police station and set it on fire.

Witnesses reported that surrendering police personnel were dragged onto the street and assaulted by the mob. Kathmandu District Police confirmed the deaths of three officers stationed at the Koteshwor division.

Likewise, during protest and clash with the police on Tuesday morning, two protestors were killed in Kalanki area.