A devastating wave of civil unrest in Nepal has claimed the life of former First Lady Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar after protesters set her home ablaze during nationwide demonstrations.
According to The Mirror, the tragedy occurred amid escalating protests that initially began after the government implemented a controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. The former First Lady, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, succumbed to her injuries at Kirtipur Burn Hospital despite immediate medical attention.
The incident has sparked a chain of political upheavals, culminating in Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation. The president has appointed Oli to lead a caretaker government while the nation grapples with mounting tensions and uncertainty about its leadership.
Social Media Ban Ignites Nationwide Fury
The government's decision to restrict access to popular social media platforms has triggered widespread demonstrations across Nepal. The ban, which has since been repealed, served as a catalyst for deeper grievances against the current administration.
Protesters have taken their anger to the streets, resulting in at least 19 casualties and numerous injuries during clashes with security forces. Government authorities have employed various crowd control measures, including water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets, to manage the growing unrest.
The demonstrations have evolved beyond the initial social media restrictions, revealing profound dissatisfaction with the country's leadership. Tens of thousands of protesters continue to block roads and storm government buildings, forcing some ministers to be evacuated by army helicopters.
Violence Escalates as Parliament Burns
Hundreds of demonstrators have breached the parliament building in Kathmandu, setting it ablaze. Protesters were observed dancing and chanting around the flames while proudly displaying Nepal's national flag.
A 22-year-old university student became another victim of the violence when he was struck by a live copper bullet during what he described as a peaceful protest. The student reported that police initially used tear gas before resorting to live ammunition.
President Ram Chandra Poudel has made urgent appeals for dialogue and peaceful resolution. The army has joined these calls for calm, emphasizing the importance of political discourse to address the nation's challenges.
Political Leaders Face Public Wrath
The chaos has resulted in physical attacks on prominent political figures. Nepali Congress party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, were assaulted by protesters.
Videos circulating on social media platforms show both leaders bleeding from their injuries before being escorted to safety. The Nepali Congress, as the country's largest party and member of the governing coalition, has become a target of public anger.
Demonstrator Narayan Acharya expressed the protesters' determination to seek justice for fallen comrades and remove the current regime. The situation remains volatile as citizens continue to demand significant political change.
Crisis Deepens as Nation Seeks Stability
The death of former First Lady Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar has become a symbol of Nepal's deteriorating political situation. Her tragic passing in the protest-induced fire marks a significant escalation in the ongoing civil unrest.
The government's attempt to control social media access has backfired, leading to unprecedented levels of public outrage and violence. The resignation of Prime Minister Oli has done little to quell the demonstrations, suggesting deeper systemic issues at play.
The nation now faces the challenging task of establishing new leadership while addressing the fundamental concerns that have driven citizens to such extreme measures. The international community watches closely as Nepal struggles to find a path toward stability and reconciliation.
