The Consulate of Nepal in Victoria has postponed the signing of a Sister City Memorandum of Understanding with Merri-bek City Council, citing a tragic incident in Nepal that has claimed multiple lives.
In a statement, the Consulate expressed condolences to the families and communities affected, noting the decision reflected the need for “empathy and sensitivity” during a period of national grief. “We are working closely with the Merri-bek City Council to review the situation and determine the most appropriate way forward,” the Consulate said.
The announcement comes as Nepal reels from the worst political unrest in decades. At least 19 people were killed and more than 200 injured in violent clashes on Monday after protests erupted against a government ban on 26 social media and messaging platforms, including Telegram.
The ban was lifted within hours as thousands of young demonstrators, many identifying with the “Gen Z” movement, marched on the parliament complex in Kathmandu. Protesters stormed barricades, set fire to an ambulance and clashed with police, who responded with water cannon, batons and rubber bullets.
A candlelight vigil was held at Melbourne’s Federation Square in memory of the innocent youths killed during peaceful protests in Nepal, with organisers confirming the vigil will continue tomorrow morning from 10 am to 12 pm at the same location.
As the crisis deepened, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli faced mounting pressure, with some ministers resigning and protesters defying curfews to chant slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (K P Sharma Oli is a thief, quit the country). By Tuesday evening, Oli stepped down, marking one of the most dramatic moments in Nepal’s fragile democracy since the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
His aide, Prakash Silwal, confirmed the resignation, though Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung earlier insisted the Prime Minister would not quit. The government has formed a committee to investigate the violence and pledged financial relief for victims’ families along with free medical treatment for the injured.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Chief Secretary, Army Chief, Home Secretary, Inspector General of Police and Inspector General of the Armed Police appealed to the people and youth to show restraint following Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation, urging protestors to pursue political dialogue.
Despite the lifting of the social media ban and Oli’s resignation, anti-corruption protests have continued to sweep Kathmandu and smaller cities, underscoring widespread frustration over political instability and economic stagnation in the Himalayan nation.
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