Key Points

The wife of former Nepali Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal has died after protesters set their Kathmandu home on fire during violent demonstrations. These Gen Z protests have forced current Prime Minister KP Oli to resign and resulted in numerous casualties across the capital. President Ram Chandra Paudel has called for peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis without further bloodshed. The protests began after the government banned major social media platforms, which citizens saw as an attack on free speech.

Key Points: Nepal Ex-PM Jhalanath Khanal Wife Dies in Protest House Fire

  • Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar was inside the house when protesters set it ablaze
  • Gen Z protests have escalated with 19 deaths and 500 injuries reported
  • Protesters demand end to corruption and revocation of social media bans
  • Nepali Army urges youth to exercise restraint and protect cultural heritage
3 min read

Wife of former Nepal PM Jhalanath Khanal burnt alive as protestors torch their house in Kathmandu

Former Nepal PM Jhalanath Khanal's wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar dies after protesters torch their Kathmandu home amid violent Gen Z demonstrations forcing PM Oli's resignation.

"I urge all sides to remain calm, prevent further harm to the nation, and come to the table for talks. - President Ram Chandra Paudel"

Kathmandu, September 9

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of the former Nepali Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, has died after suffering critical burns when their house in Kathmandu was torched during the violent protests, Khabarhub reported.

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar was inside the house when the protesters set it ablaze. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to injuries, Khabarhub reported, citing family sources.

This comes as the Gen Z demonstrations have escalated sharply, forcing Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli to resign, while torching several government buildings, including the parliament building and the President's Office in Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday called on protesting citizens to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Gen Z movement through dialogue, The Himalayan Times reported.

President Paudel emphasised that with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation already accepted, the nation must focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction, The Himalayan Times reported, citing an official statement from the President.

"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.

Nepali Army had also issued a public request urging citizens, especially the youth, to exercise restraint and safeguard the nation's historical and cultural heritage, The Himalayan Times reported.

Over the past two days, these Gen Z demonstrations have escalated sharply, resulting in at least 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries in clashes around the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu.

The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.

Protesters are demanding an end to institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes. The protesters are also demanding the revocation of the ban on social media platforms, which they see as an attempt to suppress free speech.

A curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation. The government imposed a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing concerns over misinformation and the need for regulatory compliance. Citizens saw this as an attack on free speech and a way to suppress dissent.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As Indians, we understand the pain of political instability in our neighborhood. Nepal has always been our close friend and seeing such violence is deeply disturbing. Hope peace returns soon to our neighboring country.
A
Aman W
While I support the youth's fight against corruption, burning houses and killing innocent people crosses all lines. This is not protest, this is terrorism. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.
S
Sarah B
The social media ban was clearly a trigger, but the response has become dangerously out of control. Cutting off communication only fuels more anger. Hope both sides can find a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
V
Vikram M
This is a tragic reminder that political instability affects real people with families and lives. The youth have legitimate concerns about corruption, but violence against individuals is never justified. RIP to the innocent victim.
K
Karthik V
As someone who has visited Nepal multiple times, this news breaks my heart. The Nepali people are peaceful and warm-hearted. Hope the leadership and protesters can find common ground before more lives are lost.

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