Nepal unrest: Ex-PM's house set ablaze, Parliament torched; key updates

Former Nepal prime minister Jhalanath Khanal's house in Dallu was set afire by protesters on Tuesday amid violent demonstrations in the country over a social media ban. His wife, Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, who was trapped inside the house, sustained serious burn injuries. Her condition is critical and is undergoing treatment.  (Correction: An earlier version of this story, citing some Nepalese and Indian media reports, mentioned that Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar succumbed to her injuries. The story has now been updated following a report by The Kathmandu Post. The error is regretted)    

Nepal is witnessing large-scale protests by young people over corruption, rising unemployment, and a temporary social media ban imposed by the government. The demonstrations have turned violent, resulting in several deaths and damage to property. 

 

 

 

Here are top developments as tension continues to soar:

 

Prime Minister Oli resigns 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned earlier on Tuesday in view of the developing situation in the country. In a statement, Oli said he hoped his exit would help resolve the unrest through dialogue.  Army takes charge  The Nepali army took charge of security from Tuesday night following several incidents of arson, vandalism and looting in different parts of the country. 

 

Death toll rises 

Two young protesters were killed in police firing in Kalimati, Kathmandu, on Tuesday during the demonstrations, raising the total death toll to 22.

 

Army evacuates ministers 

The Nepali Army, with around a dozen helicopters, began airlifting ministers from their residences on Tuesday in Bhaisepati amid escalating violence. Following this, the building of Simrik Airlines was reportedly torched over allegations that it provided helicopters for leaders attempting to flee. 

 

Parliament building set ablaze 

Protesters also set fire to Nepal’s Parliament building as demonstrations intensified. Residences of political leaders, including PM Oli’s private residence, and offices of major parties were also attacked with stones and fire by protestors on Tuesday.

 

Airport closed, flights affected 

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu was shut down due to the unrest. Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India also cancelled their flights to and from Kathmandu.

 

Youth ask Balendra Shah to take over as PM 

Amid unrest, Kathmandu’s 33-year-old mayor, Balendra Shah, has gained widespread support with social media posts asking him to take over as the interim PM of the country. 

 

Curfew imposed in key cities 

Authorities imposed curfews in Birgunj, Kathmandu and Kantipur, despite which the demonstrations continue.

 

Regional concerns grow 

Developments in Nepal have also prompted the Indian government to advise its citizens to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises. Those already in the country were asked to remain indoors, avoid public gatherings and exercise caution.