Kathmandu: Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned from his post on Monday evening after the country witnessed its deadliest violence in two decades, which claimed at least 19 lives. According to sources, Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during an emergency cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence.

“The Home Minister had already indicated in the Nepali Congress meeting that he would resign on moral grounds. He formally tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister this evening,” a source told.

The resignation follows nationwide protests against corruption and the government’s controversial social media ban, which turned violent.

Of the 19 fatalities, 17 were reported in Kathmandu alone, while two occurred in Itahari City of Sunsari district. Authorities have since imposed curfews in several districts to restore order.

In Rupandehi, the District Administration Office imposed curfews in Butwal and Bhairahawa between 4 pm and 10 pm on Monday. Chief District Officer Tokraj Pandey confirmed that gatherings, rallies, protests, meetings, and sit-ins are strictly prohibited in the designated curfew zones.

In Butwal, the curfew spans from Dhago Karkhana Bridge in the east to Belbas Chowk in the west, and from Chidiyakhola in the north to Mangalpur in the south.

In Bhairahawa, restrictions extend from Rohinikhola Bridge in the east to Bethari Bridge in the west, and from Buddha Chowk in the north to Meudihawa in the south. Additionally, public gatherings are banned within 100 metres on either side of the Butwal-Belahiya road.

Meanwhile, in Itahari of Sunsari district, authorities imposed a curfew after protests spiraled out of control. Chief District Officer Dharmendra Mishra confirmed that restrictions have been enforced around the main square of Itahari from 3:30 pm on Monday until further notice.

The unrest marks one of the most violent episodes in Nepal in recent memory, intensifying political pressure on the ruling government.