During the ongoing Nepal Gen Z protest, the residence of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal was set on fire by demonstrators. His wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, was killed in the incident. According to The Economic Times, protesters torched the property in the Jhapa district as unrest spread to political residences.
Deaths and Injuries in Nepal Gen Z Protest
At least 19 people were killed nationwide during the Nepal Gen Z protest, with 17 deaths in Kathmandu and two in Itahari, as reported by Human Rights Watch and Kathmandu Post. Hospitals across the capital confirmed that more than 300 people were injured, including protesters and security forces.
The unrest, triggered by the government’s restrictions on social media and growing anger over corruption, has resulted in major political shifts. As reported by Reuters and The Washington Post, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9. Shortly after, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also stepped down, according to Nepali Times. The Nepal Army has been deployed to enforce curfews in Kathmandu and secure government buildings.
Nepal Gen Z Protest and Government Response
The Nepal Gen Z protest has also been described by TIME and Al Jazeera as a movement against nepotism, unemployment, and corruption. Protesters set fire to government offices and residences, including that of former Prime Minister Khanal. The army is currently controlling key zones, and internet restrictions remain in place.
According to multiple sources the Nepal Gen Z protest began after a nationwide ban on social media platforms.It soon became an anti-corruption movement that is more broad and the youthful demonstrators require political leaders to be accountable and transparent.
