Nepal plunged into chaos on Tuesday as furious demonstrators torched parliament and the country’s veteran prime minister stepped down, capping days of violence ignited by a ban on social media.
The unrest erupted after police cracked down on rallies demanding the lifting of the ban and an end to rampant corruption. At least 19 people were killed on Monday, one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent years, according to rights groups.
On Tuesday, thousands filled Kathmandu’s streets — some celebrating, others armed and setting fire to government buildings. Protesters breached the parliament fence and “torched the main building,” confirmed Ekram Giri, spokesman for the Parliament Secretariat.
The turmoil took a deadly turn when Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, died of severe burns after their home was set on fire, ANI reported, citing Khabarhub. Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence was also attacked by mobs; his whereabouts remain unknown.
Despite the government restoring access to blocked apps, demonstrations spread nationwide. Young protesters waving the Nepali flag braved water cannons, saying their fight went beyond internet access. “The Nepal government has fallen, the youth have won the protest,” declared Sudan Gurung, a key organizer, in a post on newly-restored Instagram. “The future is ours.”
President Ramchandra Paudel pleaded for calm after his offices were also set ablaze. “All parties [must] exercise restraint, to not allow further damage,” he said. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the call, stressing that “the stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance.” UN rights chief Volker Turk said he was “appalled” by the bloodshed and urged dialogue.
Resigning after nearly six decades in politics, Oli said he was stepping aside to allow “steps towards a political solution.” Analysts warn the country faces an uncertain transition. Constitutional lawyer Dipendra Jha urged leaders, protesters, and the military to work toward a caretaker government, while the International Crisis Group described the moment as a “major inflection point” in Nepal’s fragile democracy.
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a popular figure among young Nepalis, reminded supporters to remain disciplined: “We had made it clear: this is purely a Gen Z movement. Your generation must take the lead in running the country. Be ready!”
