Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigns amid deadly protests

He tenders resignation at PM's residence after social media ban protests leave 19 dead

Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned after protests over a social media ban turned violent, leaving 19 people dead and more than 400 injured across the country.

On Monday evening, Lekhak tendered his resignation during a cabinet meeting at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence, according to The Kathmandu Post.

A minister present at the meeting said Lekhak stepped down on moral grounds following the casualties in the nationwide demonstrations.

Speaking to local outlet Online Khabar, Lekhak said: “Many lives were lost in [Monday’s] protests. The moral responsibility lies with me. For the sake of morality, I do not wish to remain in office.”

The demonstrations began across Nepal after the government blocked major social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube and X, later turning into a broader anti-corruption movement.