Oli makes first public appearance since Gen Z protests (Photos)

Kathmandu: KP Sharma Oli, who resigned as Prime Minister following the Gen Z-led protests, appeared in public on Saturday for the first time since stepping down.

He attended a tea reception organized by the CPN (UML)-affiliated Youth Association in Gundu, Bhaktapur.

The protests earlier this month — sparked by the then-Oli government’s sweeping social media ban — were initially peaceful but turned violent on the second day. On the first day alone, 19 young protesters were killed. The next day saw widespread arson and attacks on government buildings, political offices, and private property. So far, over 70 people have died in the unrest.

Oli resigned on the second day of the protests, September 9, and was airlifted from Baluwatar to a Nepal Army barracks in Shivapuri.

Oli, the chairman of the CPN (UML), recently rented a house in Gundu and has since relocated there. Over the past few days, he has been meeting with party leaders and cadres.

Following Oli’s resignation, an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was formed on September 12. The new Cabinet has been tasked with overseeing daily administration and holding general elections, which have been scheduled for March 5.

(Glimpses of Oli's first public appearance since Gen Z protests)