Nepal plunged into chaos on Tuesday as violent protests led by Gen Z forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and claimed the life of Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal.
Protesters stormed the Dallu residence of Khanal, trapping Chitrakar inside before setting the house ablaze. Family members rushed her to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, but doctors could not save her.
The unrest escalated after Oli’s government banned social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube, claiming the companies refused to register and submit to government oversight. Police opened fire on demonstrators in Kathmandu on Monday, killing 19 people. Although the government lifted the ban later that night, the protests gained momentum and turned into a broader revolt against corruption and political privilege.
Angry crowds torched the parliament building and homes of top leaders, including Oli’s own residence. Video footage showed Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, being chased through the streets and brutally beaten. The airport in the capital shut down as army helicopters evacuated several ministers to safe locations.
Facing nationwide fury, Oli announced an immediate resignation on Tuesday.
Young protesters accuse Nepal’s political elite of corruption and point to the children of leaders, labeled “Nepo Kids,” who flaunt luxury lifestyles while most young people struggle for jobs.
The uprising, now known as the “protest of Gen Z,” has shaken the Himalayan nation.