Nepal in crisis: Former prime minister's wife dies in protests
Nepal is experiencing a crisis following the social media ban: 19 dead and more than 100 injured. Among the victims is the wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal.
Photo taken from: World in Conflict
Nepal is experiencing one of the most serious social and political crises in recent years following violent protests sparked by the banning of social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube. The demonstrations, led by thousands of young people, have left at least 19 dead and more than 100 injured across the country.
Among the victims was Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, who died after being trapped in a fire at her residence in Ilam, which was set by protesters. The incident shocked public opinion and marked a critical point in the escalating violence.
Protests and institutional chaos
The protests led to attacks on key buildings such as Parliament and the Supreme Court. Amid public pressure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, acknowledging the magnitude of the crisis and the loss of confidence in his administration.
The situation also affected mobility in the country: several flights were canceled and security was reinforced in Kathmandu and other cities.
The background of the protest
The call “Generation Z” In Nepal, people rose up against the ban on social media, arguing that it restricts freedom of expression and access to information. The measure had been imposed under the guise of curbing "disinformation and hate speech," but it had the opposite effect.
Following Oli's resignation, the interim government announced the lifting of the ban as part of an attempt to pacify the streets and initiate a process of national dialogue.
Official voices and call for calm
The President of Nepal called for an "end to the violence and a commitment to dialogue." International organizations such as the UN and human rights organizations expressed concern about the repression and attacks against citizens.
The Minister of Technology, for his part, assured that the deaths will be investigated and that support programs will be implemented for the affected families.
A country at a crossroads
Beyond the digital ban, the crisis reflects the growing discontent of a young population demanding greater participation, transparency, and opportunities in the face of a traditional political class they consider distant.
Nepal now faces the challenge of rebuilding citizen trust and ensuring stability in a context of grief, polarization, and national mourning.
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