Nepal protests: Ex-PM's wife dies after house set on fire; prisoners freed
Top brass of army and other security agencies issue joint appeal calling for restraint and resolution through dialogue as Nepal plunges into deep political crisis
Nepal plunged into a serious political crisis on Tuesday (September 9) as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned in the face of massive anti-government protests, with the demonstrators attacking private residences of several high-profile leaders, headquarters of political parties, and going on to vandalise the parliament, a day after 19 people died in police action against the agitators.
The students-led protests appeared to reflect the growing public anger with the Oli dispensation over a range of issues, including a ban on social media and inaction against alleged corruption, as the protesters, defying curfews and heavy deployment of security forces, resorted to arson and stormed various key buildings and establishments.
Hours before Oli’s resignation, the protesters set on fire the Nepalese leader’s private house in Balkot, and attacked properties of President Ramchandra Paudel, former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Another former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal’s house was also torched, which claimed the life of his wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar. Protesters also torched the residence of former home minister Ramesh Lekhak at Naikap in Kathmandu, just a day after he resigned from his post, according to officials.
Flight services at Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu have been partially suspended in view of the protests. Later, some protesters started a fire at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. A prison was reportedly stormed by protesters in Dhangadhi, following which hundreds of inmates and convicts escaped. The offices of several media houses were also set on fire.
With the situation deteriorating rapidly, the top brass of Nepali Army and other security agencies issued a joint appeal calling for restraint and resolution of the crisis through dialogue.
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- 9 Sept 2025 11:10 PM IST
That is for the day, folks
This Live is closed. Keep reading The Federal for all the news updates.
- 9 Sept 2025 8:00 PM IST
China silent as K P Sharma Oli quits as Nepal PM
China has yet to officially react to the fall of Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, regarded as its steadfast ally, and the prevailing violent student movement against the political class of Nepal.
Oli resigned as prime minister on Tuesday in the face of massive anti-government protests, with the demonstrators attacking private residences of several high-profile leaders, the headquarters of political parties, and even vandalising the parliament, a day after 19 people died in police action against the agitators.
His downfall followed days after his high-profile visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin and the Chinese military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.
China’s state-run Xinhua news agency carried a brief report of Oli's resignation and news of protests breaking out in Nepal on Monday in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
Oli is the second leader of a South Asian country, after former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to quit amid a riotous situation after their visits to China.
- 9 Sept 2025 7:46 PM IST
Russia monitors Nepal protests, advises citizens
Russia is closely monitoring the situation in Nepal, its embassy in Kathmandu said on Tuesday as it advised its citizens to observe caution in the wake of massive anti-government protests in the Himalayan nation.
Violent protests by youths in Kathmandu and a few other places against a government ban on social media sites on Monday left at least 19 people dead and over 300 others injured.
Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday in the face of massive anti-government protests with the demonstrators attacking private residences of several high-profile leaders, headquarters of political parties and even vandalising the parliament.
The Russian Embassy in Kathmandu said it is constantly monitoring the situation, adding that its citizens are safe, state-owned TASS news agency reported.
The embassy is geared to arrange the safety of its citizens, it said. However, there are no plans to evacuate its diplomatic staff, it added.
According to the state-run VestiFM radio, “India’s reaction is awaited on the developments in Nepal as it is considered the big brother for the Hindu majority nation”.
India on Tuesday said it is deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives during protests in Nepal and hoped that the issues will be resolved through peaceful means.
- 9 Sept 2025 7:27 PM IST
Protesters start a blaze at Nepal airport
Protesters have started a blaze at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa on Tuesday evening, reported the Kathmandu Post. The report further stated that around “1,000 demonstrators entered the airport premises, vandalised property and torched four government vehicles. Some security vehicles were also damaged.”
The protesters have been agitating outside the airport for hours. They initially dispersed but later returned and started the fire.
- 9 Sept 2025 6:58 PM IST
Nepal Army urges calm, vows to protect nation
The Nepal Army on Tuesday urged protesters to remain calm and maintain national unity as it vowed to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"We are analysing the latest developments of the Gen Z movement," the Nepal Army said in a statement earlier in the day, reported PTI.
"Nepal Army is always committed to protect the interests and security of Nepalese people, and keeping the latest developments in mind, we express our commitment towards protecting the life and property of the people," the statement said.
It requested "all the youths and the entire countrymen to remain calm and maintain social harmony and national unity so that the present situation doesn’t deteriorate further.” "It is the duty of all Nepalese to preserve and protect the historical, cultural, archaeological and national properties of the country in this critical situation,” the statement added.
- 9 Sept 2025 6:56 PM IST
Watch | What exactly in happening in Nepal? Journalists from Nepal share insights
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned amid unprecedented protests. The Nepal Parliament has been set on fire. State-run institutions, including police stations, radio stations, and even the President’s Office, have been attacked. What's next for Nepal? And what hardships are the common people facing? Watch The Federal in conversation with journalists from Nepal.
- 9 Sept 2025 6:55 PM IST
Protesters storm Nepal prison, hundreds escape
A prison was reportedly stormed by protesters in Dhangadhi, Nepal, on Tuesday, following which hundreds of inmates and convicts escape amid the ongoing protests in the country.
- 9 Sept 2025 6:33 PM IST
Nepal President's office refutes resignation claims
Refuting media reports, the office of Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel has stated that he has not resigned amid violent protests in the country, reported India Today.
- 9 Sept 2025 6:30 PM IST
Wife of ex-Nepal PM Jhalanath Khanal dies of injuries
Wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar has died of severe burn injuries after her house was allegedly set on fire by protesters, reported India Today.
- 9 Sept 2025 6:18 PM IST
Protesters attack Nepal media houses, airline office
The offices of multiple media houses have been attacked by Gen Z protesters in Nepal. The protesters have also set ablaze the building of Simrik Airlines over allegations of providing helicopters to political leaders fleeing Nepal, reported India Today.
