Nepal violence: Ex-PM Khanal’s wife dies after protesters torch house; president urges calm, dialogue

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Nepali Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died on Tuesday after sustaining critical burns when their residence in Kathmandu was set ablaze during violent protests, ANI reported citing Khabarhub.

According to family sources, Chitrakar was inside the house when protesters torched the building. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries.


The incident comes as the Gen Z demonstrations, triggered by a government ban on social media platforms, have spiraled into nationwide unrest. Over the past two days, at least 19 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in clashes around Kathmandu and other cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj.

The protests, which began on September 8, erupted after the government banned 26 major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing tax and cybersecurity concerns. Citizens viewed the move as an attack on free speech and a cover for corruption.

The escalation forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign, while demonstrators set fire to government buildings, including the Parliament House and the President’s Office.

President Ram Chandra Paudel urged calm on Tuesday, calling on protesters to embrace dialogue. “I urge all sides to remain calm, prevent further harm to the nation, and come to the table for talks. In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation,” he said in a statement carried by The Himalayan Times.

The Nepali Army also issued a public appeal urging youth demonstrators to exercise restraint and protect the nation’s historical and cultural heritage.

Despite curfews imposed in several cities, the movement continues to gather momentum, with protesters demanding accountability in governance, an end to institutional corruption, and the immediate reversal of the social media ban.