KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned on Tuesday following violent protests that erupted over a ban on social media and widespread accusations of government corruption. His resignation came after police opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in 19 deaths during protests that began on Monday.

The protests, primarily led by young people, were sparked by the government’s decision to block access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube. The ban was lifted on Tuesday, but the demonstrations continued, fueled by anger over the police violence and growing discontent with the political elite. Protesters set fire to the homes of several top political leaders, including Oli’s residence, as well as the homes of the president and the home minister.

In response to the escalating violence, a curfew was imposed in Kathmandu and other cities, and schools were closed. Despite these measures, protests persisted, with demonstrators chanting, "Punish the murders in government. Stop killing children," referring to the fatalities from the previous day’s clashes.

The protests, dubbed the "protest of Gen Z," highlighted the frustrations of young people in Nepal, many of whom feel marginalized by the political system. "I am here to protest about the massive corruption in our country," said student Bishnu Thapa Chetri. "The country has gotten so bad that for us youths there is no grounds for us to stay."

The demonstrations intensified as protesters expressed their anger not only at the social media ban but also at the perceived privileges enjoyed by the children of political leaders, often referred to as "Nepo Kids." With youth unemployment at 20% last year, many young people are leaving Nepal in search of better opportunities abroad.

On Monday, tens of thousands gathered in Kathmandu, surrounding the Parliament building before police opened fire. Seven of the deceased and many injured were taken to the National Trauma Center, where medical staff reported that many victims were in serious condition, having sustained gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Before resigning, Oli announced plans to form an investigative committee to look into the police shootings and promised compensation for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also resigned during an emergency Cabinet meeting.

The protests reflect broader discontent with the government’s attempts to regulate social media through a proposed bill that critics argue could be used to censor dissent. The bill requires social media companies to register and appoint local representatives, a move that rights groups claim threatens freedom of expression.

As the situation in Nepal remains tense, the government’s actions and the public’s response will likely continue to evolve in the coming days.