Nepal’s parliament set on fire after PM resigns over anti-corruption protests

KATHMANDU, Sept 9 (BBC News) – Protesters set fire to Nepal’s parliament building as anti-corruption protests escalate.

BBC News Live reporting by Charlotte Scarr from Kathmandu shared that protesters are dancing and chanting around fires, as all the windows have been smashed inside the building.

It comes after the country’s prime minister, KP Sharma Oli, resigned

Young people took to the streets, fuelled by anger over corruption and “nepo kids”.

In the absence of leadership, what will happen in Nepal is anyone’s guess – the priority now is to restore order, writes the BBC News’ South Asia regional editor.

Nepali Army calls for restraint

The Nepali Army is urging the country’s young people to demonstrate restraint and will deliver an address to the nation later tonight.

In an earlier statement, the Nepali Army said the institution is committed to safeguarding the interest of Nepal and Nepali people.

The Army says it is closely analysing the situation and has urged protesters to not continue activities.

Earlier, President Ram Chandra Poudel appealed to the protestors – who are mostly Gen Z – to communicate and find a solution peacefully.

Death toll in Nepal protests rises to 22

One more person has been killed during ongoing protests in Nepal, bringing the total to 22 including 19 killed on Monday.

The director of the Civil Service Hospital tells the BBC 209 people were admitted during Tuesday’s protest.

Of these, 186 have been discharged, Dipak Poudel adds.

The head of the National Trauma Centre, Dr Badri Rijal, says nearly 40 people with injuries were brought for treatment at the hospital.

Protests grip Nepal’s capital – what you need to know

In Kathmandu, anti-government protests continue to grip Nepal’s capital city.

Protesters have stormed Nepal’s federal parliament building in Kathmandu in the last few hours, with images showing fires and smoke rising from the building.

This comes after the country’s prime minister, KP Sharma Oli resigned earlier today in response to the protests across the country
Oli had little choice than to step down following widening protests and no sign of public anger abating, BBC News’ South Asia regional editor Anbarasan Ethirajan writes.

The protests began over a social media ban, which has since been reversed by the government, but people in Nepal are still in shock after 19 people were killed on Monday and another two killed during today’s protests.

Meanwhile, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport is entirely closed as protests continue to escalate.

Source: BBC News Live Reporting