PM KP Sharma Oli steps down as Nepal plunges deeper into crisis; army involvement likely

Nepal's Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, on Tuesday afternoon, tendered his resignation from his post after anti-government protests showed no signs of abating. As per Reuters, Oli resigned in order to 'facilitate solution to the problem, and help resolve it politically.'

As protests, which started over the Nepal government's controversial decision to ban all social media portals, snowballed into a major flashpoint between the protestors and Nepal's Maoist government, news reports had today suggested that the country's Army Chief, Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel had asked PM Oli to tender his resignation, with the army willing to step in once Oli had stepped down.

Now with Oli officially stepping down, it is unclear whether or in what capacity the army will get involved.

Meanwhile, all flights at Kathmandu airport remained suspended as concerns grow over the worsening security situation in the country.

Earlier today, PM Oli had convened an all-party meeting in order to find a solution to the worsening political crisis in Nepal. Also earlier in the day, protestors had set fire to the Nepali Congress Party's offices in Kathmandu, along with the residences of Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel.

New Delhi on Tuesday issued a statement advising Indian nationals residing in Nepal to “exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities.”

It was also reported earlier today that Oli had requested the Army's help in allowing a safe passage to him and other ministers. As per an India Today report, Oli, on the pretext of medical leave, had expressed desire to move to Dubai.

Also, ministers from Oli's government were also airlifted to the airport from their residences by the army. As per news reports, five army helicopters were deployed to evacuate the ministers. Curfew across the country remains, but despite that the crowd had only swelled, growing violent by the day.