Nepal was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday after violent protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The unrest also claimed the life of Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal.
According to reports, protesters stormed Khanal’s residence in Dallu. The house was set on fire, trapping Chitrakar inside. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital by family members, but doctors were unable to save her life. The tragic death of the former PM wife has added to the anger and grief sweeping the nation.
The demonstrations erupted after Oli’s government announced a ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube. Authorities said the platforms refused to register with the government and comply with oversight rules.
On Monday, police opened fire on demonstrators in Kathmandu, killing 19 people. Although the ban was lifted later that night, the protests spread quickly and grew into a nationwide movement against corruption and political privilege.
Angry mobs set fire to the parliament building and attacked the homes of senior leaders, including Oli’s residence. Video footage showed Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, being chased and beaten in the streets. The airport in Kathmandu was also closed as army helicopters evacuated ministers to safer locations.
On Tuesday, facing mounting pressure and nationwide unrest, Oli announced his resignation. His exit marked a major turning point in the crisis.
The young generation, leading the revolt now called the “protest of Gen Z,” accused politicians of corruption and privilege. Protesters also criticized the children of top leaders, often referred to as “Nepo Kids,” for flaunting luxury lifestyles while most young people struggle with unemployment.
The death of the former PM wife and the collapse of Oli’s government highlight the severity of the political crisis. Nepal now faces uncertainty as public anger shows no signs of slowing down.
In other news read more about Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Resigns After Protests
