Violence Erupts in Nepal: Former PM’s Wife Burned Alive, PM Oli Resigns, Protesters Storm Parliament, Security Weapons Looted
A wave of violent unrest has shaken Nepal, plunging the nation into chaos and despair. Amid the turmoil, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation and was evacuated to a safe location by a military helicopter. Soon after, alarming reports claimed that President Ramchandra Paudel had also resigned, though these reports were later proven false. Instead, the president called the protesters for dialogue in a bid to resolve the escalating crisis.
The situation in the capital Kathmandu has become extremely tense as security forces appear unable to bring the violence under control. The country is facing a series of violent demonstrations that have severely deteriorated law and order. Protesters have become increasingly aggressive, worsening the situation by attacking government buildings and public officials.
One of the most shocking and heartbreaking incidents involved the home of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal. Protesters set his house on fire while his wife, Rajalaxmi Chitrakar Khanal, was inside. She suffered severe burns and was immediately rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. This brutal act has shocked not only Nepal but the entire international community, as it highlights the extreme violence now plaguing the nation.
Meanwhile, clashes and arson in and around Kathmandu have claimed the lives of at least 22 people, while over 400 individuals have been injured in the widespread violence. Protesters, fuelled by anger and frustration, went on to set fire to the Parliament building, further deepening the political crisis. The protests also targeted the private residences of the Prime Minister, the President, and the Home Minister, resulting in severe property damage and looting of arms and ammunition from security forces.
The unrest further escalated as enraged youth forcibly entered the house of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, beating him mercilessly. Similarly, Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was attacked near his residence in Kathmandu. A video that went viral on social media showed a protester kicking him in the chest, drawing widespread condemnation. The violent scenes circulating online show the depth of anger among protesters and how the situation has spiraled out of control.
According to local reports, the initial cause of the protests was political dissatisfaction. However, they soon turned violent, with demonstrators expressing rage over corruption, lack of governance, and authoritarian rule. What started as peaceful protests deteriorated into an all-out assault on government authority and institutions.
The government’s failure to contain the violence has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally. Political analysts argue that the unrest reflects a deep-rooted crisis in Nepal’s governance and democratic framework. Security forces, despite their best efforts, have struggled to quell the unrest as the protesters became more aggressive and organized. Many checkpoints were overrun, and police stations were attacked, leading to the looting of weapons and security materials.
Reports indicate that several lawmakers and political leaders are now in hiding, fearing for their safety, while others are being sheltered by security forces. The atmosphere remains extremely volatile, with fears of further bloodshed and political instability looming large.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation came amid mounting pressure and deteriorating conditions. The military helicopter evacuation is seen as an indication of the severity of the threat faced by high-ranking officials. Although rumors of President Ramchandra Paudel’s resignation spread quickly, authorities clarified that these were false reports, and efforts are underway to engage the protesters in peaceful dialogue.
Human rights organizations have condemned the violence in the strongest terms, calling for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators responsible for brutal attacks, especially the case where the former PM’s wife lost her life. Several calls for impartial investigations into the government’s handling of the situation have emerged.
The tragic death of Rajalaxmi Chitrakar Khanal stands as a dark symbol of this violent upheaval. The government now faces immense pressure from citizens, opposition parties, and the global community to restore law and order, provide justice for the victims, and stabilize the country.
As the situation remains volatile, the coming days will be critical for Nepal’s political future. The world watches with bated breath, hoping that peace, justice, and order will soon be restored, and that such tragedies are not repeated in the future.
