Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Communist Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died when the couple’s residence in Kathmandu was set on fire by anti-communist protesters. Her death came as crowds targeted symbols of state authority across the capital, burning parliament, the Supreme Court, and other offices, reports the Economic Times.
The unrest erupted after the government blocked access to more than a dozen platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, citing new regulations meant to supposedly stop the spread of misinformation. Government officials said companies had been warned repeatedly to register, but failed to comply.
Protesters, largely young men, defied curfews and clashed with police in the streets of Kathmandu. Military helicopters were deployed as fires broke out across the city, including at the historic Singha Durbar palace complex. Riot police used water cannons and tear gas but were eventually forced to retreat as crowds overran the parliament building, The Times of India reports.
“Kathmandu is burning. Smoke is emanating across the capital’s seat of power as protesters have set fire to many important offices,” lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain told The Telegraph.
The scale of the violence prompted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. A four-time head of government, Oli cited the country’s “extraordinary situation” and said he stepped down “to allow further efforts toward a constitutional political solution.”
Critics of the ban say the measure is an attack on free expression and part of wider anger over corruption and distrust of political elites. The Kathmandu Post wrote, “This isn’t just about social media – it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent.”
The paper added that younger Nepalis see internet access as a basic right: “For them, digital freedom is personal freedom. Cutting off access feels like silencing an entire generation.”
Protesters carried signs demanding “an end to corruption,” and crowds stormed multiple government properties. Vehicles were torched and debris littered the streets.
Officials issued a statement urging calm following Oli’s resignation. “We sincerely urge all citizens to remain calm and avoid further damage to life and property,” the government said. “We also call on all concerned parties to seek a swift and peaceful resolution through political dialogue.”
