Drama befell Nepal's political scene on Tuesday when Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died after protesters torched their home in Kathmandu's Dallu neighborhood.
The family reported that Ms. Chitrakar was taken to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but died from her injuries in the process of receiving treatment. News accounts said demonstrators, who were mostly young "Gen Z" protesters, had cornered her inside the house before it was ignited.
The violent unrest, which began over a government ban on social media platforms, escalated into widespread outrage against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s administration and accusations of entrenched corruption. Mr. Oli himself saw his home set ablaze, and by evening he announced his resignation.
Mayhem gripped the capital as disturbing images emerged of Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, chased, kicked, and clubbed on the streets by furious mobs.
The demonstrations broke out a day before when the government temporarily shut down Facebook, X, YouTube, and other sites, citing non-compliance with regulatory standards. Even though the ban was removed by Monday night, the protests only grew.
Police fired on demonstrators, killing 19 and injuring dozens. Protesters had by Tuesday set fire to residences of senior leaders, raided Parliament House, and led to the closure of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Dozens of ministers were evacuated to safety by army helicopters.
Addressing his resignation statement, Mr. Oli announced he was resigning "immediately" as the violence escalated.
Outrage among young demonstrators has also been fueled by feelings of nepotism. The children of Nepal's political class, referred to as "Nepo Kids," are accused by many of having extravagant benefits while common youth suffer unemployment and restricted prospects.
India has meanwhile asked its nationals to stay away from traveling to Nepal until peace returns. Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines canceled several flights between Delhi and Kathmandu on Tuesday as the situation worsened.
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