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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Follow Live updates below:Live Updates
- 9 Sept 2025 2:48 PM IST
Oli says he stepped down to resolve the crisis in Nepal
"In accordance with Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, I was appointed Prime Minister on 31 Ashadh 2081. Considering the extraordinary situation that has arisen in the country at present, and for the purpose of seeking a constitutional political outlet and taking further initiative in resolving the problems, I hereby tender my resignation from the post of Prime Minister with effect from today, pursuant to Article 77 (1)(a) of the Constitution," stated Oli in his resignation letter.
- 9 Sept 2025 2:32 PM IST
Nepal PM Oli resigned after army chief's advice
KP Sharma Oli stepped down as Prime Minister after he spoke to Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel seeking military assistance to control the situation, reported India Today. The report further stated that the Army Chief advised Oli to resign, saying that the military can stabilise the country only after he steps down.
- 9 Sept 2025 2:17 PM IST
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli resigns amid violent protests
Amid intensifying protests against his government that are turning increasingly violent, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli has resigned. According to a BBC report, a statement signed by Oli says that he has stepped down to facilitate a constitutional solution to the current crisis.
- 9 Sept 2025 2:11 PM IST
Watch: Protesters torch vehicles, houses of ministers in Nepal
Large scale arson is taking place in several districts of Nepal, including the capital Kathmandu, with protesters torching vehicles and setting houses of former and incumbent minister,s including the private residence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
- 9 Sept 2025 2:06 PM IST
Protesters attack Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s residence in Lalitpur
Protesters have attacked the residence of Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre), in Khumaltar, Lalitpur.
According to local media reports, the agitators, mostly from the Gen Z movement, protesting against the alleged corrupt practices of the government, not only pelted stones at the building but also set parts of the property on fire.
They further stated that a large crowd had gathered in Khumaltar since early morning and despite the efforts of the security personnel to control the situation, the protesters clashed with them and some police barricades were damaged.
- 9 Sept 2025 1:58 PM IST
Nepal closes Tribhuvan airport amid intensifying protests
Amid intensifying protests across the Kathmandu Valley, the Nepal government has fully closed the Tribhuvan International Airport. According to The Himalayan, the decision was taken due to repeated incidents of fires in areas including Gothata and worsening aviation security conditions.
- 9 Sept 2025 1:54 PM IST
Protesters set fire to Nepal President Paudel's residence
Protesters have vandalised and partially set ablaze the residence of Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel in Bohratar. Local media reports quoted eyewitnesses who saw smoke billowing out from the roof as protesters surrounded the premises. Heavy security has been deployed in the area. However, the full extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained.
- 9 Sept 2025 1:29 PM IST
Protesters vandalise residence of Nepali Congress President
Protesters have vandalised the residence of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha. According to media reports, the protesters broke the main gate and damaged properties inside the compound. So far, 19 protesters have lost their lives in Nepal. Houses of several incumbent and former ministers have been vandalise,d including the private residence of PM KP Sharma Oli.
- 9 Sept 2025 1:24 PM IST
MEA asks Indians in Nepal to be cautious
The Ministry of Externa Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian nationals in Nepal to exercise caution in view of the prevailing situation in the neighbouring country.
"We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,” stated the MEA.
"We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives," it added.
- 9 Sept 2025 1:24 PM IST
Protesters set fire to Nepal PM Oli's personal residence in Balkot
The anti-government protests in Nepal continued to escalate on Tuesday (September 9) with protesters setting fire to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot, reported The Himalayan.
The report further stated that police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
