Tragedy struck Nepal on Tuesday when the wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal was killed after their home was set ablaze during violent anti-government protests, according to regional media reports.
The shocking incident occurred as demonstrators torched the Nepalese parliament building and several homes of senior political leaders, plunging the Himalayan nation into a full-blown political and security crisis.
The protests, driven largely by Gen Z activists, erupted on Monday following the government’s sudden ban on a major social media platform. The move intensified public anger already fueled by years of frustration over corruption, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities for young people.
Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest, with fears that escalating violence could destabilize the country further. Human rights groups have urged the government to restore calm while respecting freedom of expression.
The death of Khanal’s wife has heightened the emotional toll of the crisis, with many Nepalese citizens expressing both shock and outrage at the deteriorating situation.
