Kathmandu — Nepal was engulfed in unprecedented violence on Tuesday as youth-led protests spiraled out of control, leaving a trail of destruction, claiming lives, and forcing Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli to resign.
Among the victims was Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, who died after protesters set ablaze their residence in the Dallu area of Kathmandu. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment, family sources confirmed.
The capital descended into turmoil as Oli’s own home was targeted and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, was brutally assaulted in the streets, according to a widely circulated video. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have already claimed at least 19 lives, with police opening fire at multiple locations.
The protests — dubbed the “Gen Z Uprising” — began after the government temporarily banned social media platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing non-compliance with regulations. Though the ban was lifted late Monday, the anger only deepened, fueled by outrage over police shootings and longstanding frustration with corruption and political privilege.
At the heart of the unrest is youth resentment against the ruling elite, particularly “Nepo Kids” — children of senior politicians accused of enjoying lavish lifestyles while ordinary young Nepalis grapple with unemployment and economic uncertainty. In the past 24 hours, protesters have torched the parliament building, attacked leaders’ homes, and forced ministers to be airlifted to safety by army helicopters. Kathmandu’s international airport was also shut down, with Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines cancelling flights from Delhi.
Amid the escalating crisis, India issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises.