Nepal Parliament Set Ablaze as Prime Minister Resigns

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday after days of mass protests over corruption and a social media ban escalated into violence. Local news outlets reported on the crowds that torched the Parliament building and homes of senior leaders and defied an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu and other cities.

According to NBC News, at least 19 people were killed on Monday when police opened fire on demonstrators. Videos verified by NBC News showed flames and smoke rising from the Parliament. “People were angry against the politicians,” said Sahil Singh, a 29-year-old resident of Kathmandu, who witnessed buildings burning.

The homes of President Ram Chandra Poudel, Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal were also set ablaze. The army evacuated ministers by helicopter.

Lekhak resigned late Monday after an emergency Cabinet meeting.

Oli promised an investigation into the killings and pledged compensation for victims’ families. Protesters, however, demanded wider reforms. “I want a real change after this, I mean a good system and government,” Singh said.

The United Nations has called for a transparent investigation into the use of force against protesters.