Nepal in Flames: Gen Z-Led Protests Ignite Political Chaos and Unrest

Nepal is currently engulfed in unprecedented political turmoil as Gen Z-led protests demand accountability and democratic reforms, leading to violent clashes across the capital Kathmandu and other areas. The unrest has culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and sparked widespread destruction including arson targeting government buildings, residences of former prime ministers, and the Nepal Parliament itself.

The protests erupted amid deep-rooted anger over corruption and a controversial social media ban, prompting demonstrators, mostly young activists, to storm government offices and torch multiple sites. The homes of at least five former prime ministers—Oli, Prachanda, Deuba, Madhav Nepal, and Khanal—were set ablaze. Tragically, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of ex-PM Khanal, died from burn injuries sustained after her house was torched.

Violence extended further with attacks on senior political figures; former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba, were assaulted, while Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel and MP Eknath Dhakal were publicly humiliated. Protesters also set the Nakkhu Central Jail on fire, facilitating the escape of RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane.

The Nepalese Army, under Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel, has taken control to restore order, imposing a nationwide night curfew and urging calm without direct political intervention. Despite military efforts, at least 22 deaths have been reported amid widespread clashes, arson, and looting.

Critical infrastructure has been gravely affected, highlighted by the indefinite closure of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, stranding numerous foreign nationals, including Indian families who have appealed for safe evacuation. The Indian government has heightened border security and is actively coordinating with its embassy in Nepal to ensure the safety of its citizens caught in the crisis.

Amidst the chaos, Nepal's Parliament building remains severely damaged following a massive fire, symbolizing the intense level of unrest and calls for political change. Protesters herald this as a "victory for democracy," although the situation remains volatile as the country faces a critical juncture in its political landscape.