Five-time Nepal PM Deuba, Wife Attacked; Former PM Khanal’s Wife Burnt Alive Amid Gen Z Protests

Five-time Nepal PM Deuba, Wife Attacked; Former PM Khanal’s Wife Burnt Alive Amid Gen Z Protests

Meta Description (SEO):
Nepal’s Gen Z protests turned violent as ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife were assaulted, while former PM Jhala Nath Khanal’s wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar died in a house fire. The unrest, triggered by social media bans, has left 19 dead.

Nepal Gen Z Protests: From Social Media Ban to Political Violence

Kathmandu is witnessing one of the worst political crises in recent history. What began as youth-led protests against social media restrictions has spiraled into deadly violence, resulting in 19 deaths, arson attacks, and assaults on political leaders.

On Monday, clashes erupted after the government blocked platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube, triggering outrage among Nepal’s Gen Z population. Police opened fire on protesters, leading to dozens of casualties.

Ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and Wife Beaten by Mob

In shocking scenes, five-time Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, were beaten by a violent mob in Kathmandu. Videos circulated online show both bleeding as army personnel rushed to rescue them.

Deuba, who also leads the Nepali Congress Party, remains a key figure in the governing coalition. His assault has raised serious concerns about the collapse of law and order in the country.

Former PM Jhala Nath Khanal’s Wife Dies in Arson Attack

Tragedy struck when protesters set fire to the residence of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal in Dallu. His wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, was trapped inside and suffered severe burn injuries. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.

Attacks on Top Leaders’ Residences

The unrest has not spared other political figures:

KP Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot was torched hours before his resignation.
President Ramchandra Paudel’s property was targeted.
Former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s house and offices of several ministers were attacked.
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was chased and attacked by angry mobs.

Why Are Nepal’s Gen Z Protesting?

The social media ban was the trigger, but the protests reflect deeper frustrations:

Unemployment Crisis: Nearly 20% youth unemployment, forcing over 2,000 Nepali youth daily to migrate for jobs abroad.
Political Corruption: Widespread anger at “nepo kids” – children of politicians living lavishly while ordinary citizens struggle.
Generational Divide: Young Nepalis accuse leaders of ignoring modern challenges, prioritizing personal gains over reforms.

Government Response and Army’s Appeal

Although the social media ban was lifted, protests escalated due to anger over deaths and corruption. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, but was appointed caretaker PM until further arrangements.

The Nepali Army and security agencies have appealed for restraint and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

The Bigger Picture: Gen Z Uprising Across South Asia

Nepal’s crisis mirrors a regional trend: Gen Z anger is rising in South Asia. Similar movements have been witnessed in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where youth discontent over unemployment, inflation, and corruption sparked political turmoil.

Conclusion

Nepal stands at a critical crossroads. What started as a protest against a social media ban has exposed deep cracks in governance, generational frustration, and systemic corruption. The tragic death of Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar and the violent assault on Sher Bahadur Deuba highlight the ugly face of unchecked protests.

If political leaders and youth do not find a peaceful dialogue, Nepal risks sliding into prolonged instability.