Former Nepal PM Oli Moves to Private Residence After Days Under Army Protection
Former Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has relocated to a private home in the Gundu area of Bhaktapur following nine days under Nepal Army guard. The move comes after his resignation amid mass protests earlier this month.
Oli stepped down on September 9, following a surge of Gen Z-led demonstrations that turned violent across the country. Protesters had voiced anger over issues including corruption, joblessness, and a contentious ban on social media platforms. The unrest escalated rapidly, with several government buildings set ablaze and clashes erupting in multiple cities.
In the wake of the protests, Oli was airlifted by military helicopter to an army barracks believed to be located in the Shivapuri forest area north of Kathmandu. He remained under army protection there for nine days, until authorities deemed it safe for him to move to a private residence. The exact address of his new residence has not been officially disclosed for security reasons.
During the protests, Oli’s private house in Bhaktapur was reportedly attacked and burned, leading to his evacuation under military escort. Apart from Oli, a number of senior political leaders also came under army protection amid the unrest, though most have since left such arrangements. Only a few, including former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his spouse, remained under security for longer.
Since relocating, Oli has made public statements criticizing how the protests were handled. He alleged that the initially peaceful demonstrations were hijacked by “conspirators” who instigated violence and chaos. He denied that his government had ordered police to use lethal force and called for investigations into reports that automatic weapons—which he claimed the police do not possess—were used. In various posts, he expressed sadness over the loss of life, offered condolences to the families of the deceased, and called for unity in defending the country’s constitution and sovereignty.
Oli’s move to a private residence signals what might be a transition toward normalcy after a period of heightened tension. Although life in Kathmandu shows signs of returning to calm, with streets reopening and military presence reduced in many areas, the political environment remains fragile. The interim government now faces pressure not only to restore order but also to address the grievances raised by protesters. Elections are expected to be held in March 2026.
Oli stepped down on September 9, following a surge of Gen Z-led demonstrations that turned violent across the country. Protesters had voiced anger over issues including corruption, joblessness, and a contentious ban on social media platforms. The unrest escalated rapidly, with several government buildings set ablaze and clashes erupting in multiple cities.
In the wake of the protests, Oli was airlifted by military helicopter to an army barracks believed to be located in the Shivapuri forest area north of Kathmandu. He remained under army protection there for nine days, until authorities deemed it safe for him to move to a private residence. The exact address of his new residence has not been officially disclosed for security reasons.
During the protests, Oli’s private house in Bhaktapur was reportedly attacked and burned, leading to his evacuation under military escort. Apart from Oli, a number of senior political leaders also came under army protection amid the unrest, though most have since left such arrangements. Only a few, including former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his spouse, remained under security for longer.
Since relocating, Oli has made public statements criticizing how the protests were handled. He alleged that the initially peaceful demonstrations were hijacked by “conspirators” who instigated violence and chaos. He denied that his government had ordered police to use lethal force and called for investigations into reports that automatic weapons—which he claimed the police do not possess—were used. In various posts, he expressed sadness over the loss of life, offered condolences to the families of the deceased, and called for unity in defending the country’s constitution and sovereignty.
Oli’s move to a private residence signals what might be a transition toward normalcy after a period of heightened tension. Although life in Kathmandu shows signs of returning to calm, with streets reopening and military presence reduced in many areas, the political environment remains fragile. The interim government now faces pressure not only to restore order but also to address the grievances raised by protesters. Elections are expected to be held in March 2026.