Deadly Nepal Protests Claim Ex-PM’s Wife, Force PM Oli’s Resignation
The world has not seen such attacks on the homes of officials and politicians for a very long time as Nepalese demonstrators burns houses and destroyed the Parliament
KATHMANDU – Nepal plunged deeper into crisis after the wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal died on Tuesday when her home was torched during violent anti-government protests, international media reported. Demonstrators also set fire to the Parliament building and residences of several political leaders, underscoring the scale of unrest sweeping the Himalayan nation.
The protests, led by Gen Z activists, erupted on Monday in response to the government’s ban on major social media platforms and long-standing frustrations over corruption and lack of opportunities for youth. Although the government lifted the ban a day later, the violence escalated.
Curfews in Deadly Nepal Protests
At least 22 people have been killed and hundreds injured. Despite curfews, thousands of protesters remain on the streets, defying security forces. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and senior officials, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, have resigned, but demonstrators demand wider accountability.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk urged restraint, condemning reports of disproportionate force used by authorities. “Dialogue – not violence – is the way forward,” he said.
Protester Pabit Tandukar, 22, who was injured outside Parliament, insisted the movement would not stop until “mass resignations” are achieved, reflecting the growing anger of Nepal’s youth.
Kazi Mahmood