A wave of intense anger has swept across Nepal, turning parts of the capital, Kathmandu, into scenes of chaos. The violence has touched the lives of prominent political figures, resulting in a tragic loss. Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, has died from severe burn injuries after protesters set fire to their home.
Reports tell a harrowing story. During a protest in the Dallu neighborhood of Kathmandu, a group of demonstrators reportedly forced Mrs. Chitrakar back inside her residence. They then set the house ablaze. She suffered terrible burns and was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital. Despite efforts, she did not survive her injuries.
This heartbreaking incident is part of a larger, ongoing protest movement. Young people, often called Gen Z, are leading these demonstrations. The protests have lasted for days, driven by deep public unhappiness. Even though the government lifted its ban on social media and Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli stepped down, the anger has not cooled. The unrest has already claimed at least 22 lives, and over 300 people have been injured.
The protests have targeted many symbols of government power. In Kathmandu, the Singha Durbar, a major administrative building, was set on fire. Government offices and the homes of politicians have also been attacked. This includes the official residence of President Ram Chandra Paudel, the home of former Prime Minister Oli, and several other former leaders’ houses.
During one attack on a politician’s home, former Prime Minister Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, who serves as the Foreign Minister, were reportedly assaulted by protesters. Political party offices around the country have also been targeted, showing the widespread nature of the public’s discontent.
Before his resignation, Prime Minister Oli had sought help from the military. Indian media outlets, citing sources within the army, reported that Oli met with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the chief of the armed forces. Oli asked for military support to control the chaos and ensure his own safety. However, the Army Chief advised him to resign. General Sigdel made it clear that the military would only step in to restore peace if Oli gave up his position of power.
Source: indiatoday