Kathmandu, 11 September (H.S.): Nepal has been rocked by unprecedented violence this week as anti-government protests spiraled out of control, forcing Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli to resign and leaving dozens injured. Among the victims is Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, who sustained burn injuries after protesters set fire to their residence in Kathmandu’s Dallu area.

Ms. Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, where she is reported to be recovering. Initial reports mistakenly claimed she had died, but hospital sources have since confirmed her condition is stable.

The unrest erupted after the government imposed a controversial ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, sparking anger among Nepal’s digitally active youth. Though the ban was lifted Monday night, demonstrations only intensified, evolving into what many now call the “Gen Z Protest.”

On Tuesday, the situation turned catastrophic:

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Protesters torched the homes of several political leaders, including PM Oli’s own residence.

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Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, was chased and brutally beaten in the streets, as shown in viral video footage.

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At least 19 people were killed after police opened fire on demonstrators.

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Kathmandu’s parliament building and the airport came under attack, prompting the army to airlift ministers to safety.

Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation late Tuesday, citing the scale of unrest and loss of public trust. The protests, however, are no longer just about social media. Young Nepalis are voicing deeper frustrations—accusing leaders of corruption, nepotism, and widening inequality. Many demonstrators highlight the privileges enjoyed by the so-called “Nepo Kids,” children of powerful politicians, while ordinary youth face chronic unemployment.

Meanwhile, India has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines canceled flights from Delhi to Kathmandu on Tuesday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar