Following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has urged Gen Z protesters to exercise restraint. The protest, which turned violent on Monday, continued on Tuesday, with demonstrators taking to the streets to protest against corruption. His statement comes after KP Oli stepped down from the post on afternoon, and the situation that remains uncontrolled.
What Did Balen Say?
In a Facebook post, Mayor Shah acknowledged the ongoing protest as “entirely a Gen Z movement” and mentioned that the government’s resignation has already been achieved. “Dear Gen Z, your demand for the resignation of the government has been met. Now it is time to remain restrained,” he wrote.
He also cautioned against further damage to public and private property, adding, “The loss of the country’s wealth is, in reality, a loss to our own property. It is now essential that we all act with restraint.” Shah has urged them to engage constructively, emphasising over younger generation’s role in shaping the country’s progress and development.
Kathmandu Mayor has further hinted at the possibility of discussions with the Chief of Army Staff, stating, “But remember – such dialogue should take place only after the dissolution of Parliament.”
Houses Of Ministers Attacked
The Kathmandu Post reported that protesters set fire to the house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, pelted stones at the residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel and attacked the house of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
The central office of the Nepali Congress in Sanepa was also vandalised on Tuesday afternoon, The Himalayan Times reported. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s house in Budhanilkantha has also been vandalised. Political party office of the CPN-UML in Chyasal, Lalitpur also faced attacks.
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