Kathmandu, Sept 9 (HS): Nepal was rocked by unprecedented violence on Tuesday as protests led by young demonstrators spiraled out of control, claiming lives, torching homes of political leaders, and forcing Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli to resign.

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, sustained serious injuries after protesters set fire to their residence in the Dallu area of Kathmandu. she was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital and is critical, said sources. 

The capital descended into chaos as Oli’s own residence was attacked, and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, was chased through the streets and brutally beaten, according to a disturbing video circulating online. The clashes between police and demonstrators have already left 19 people dead after security forces opened fire on crowds.

The unrest, dubbed the “Gen Z Protest,” was triggered by a controversial government decision to ban social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube for failing to comply with state regulations. Though the ban was lifted on Monday night, protests only grew fiercer, fueled by public outrage over police killings and deep-seated resentment against corruption and privilege among Nepal’s ruling elite.

Anger is particularly strong among the youth, who accuse “Nepo Kids” — children of senior politicians — of enjoying lavish lifestyles while ordinary young Nepalis face grim job prospects and economic hardship. Demonstrators have since torched the parliament building and several leaders’ homes, forcing ministers to be airlifted by military helicopters to safety. Kathmandu’s international airport was shut, and major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines suspended flights from Delhi.

In the wake of escalating violence, India has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to defer trips to Nepal until normalcy is restored.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar