Nepal unrest: PM KP Sharma Oli’s home set ablaze as Gen Z protests spiral into deadly nationwide crisis

Protesters in Nepal on Tuesday set fire to Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur, as anger swelled despite the government’s removal of a ban on social media platforms.

Protesters danced and celebrated as the private residence of Oli, in Bhaktapur, burned.



Allegations of rampant corruption have brought the country's youth onto the streets across several districts.

Oli, who was not present at the house and is staying at the official Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, has come under growing pressure after Monday’s protests spiraled into deadly clashes, shaking India’s Himalayan neighbour with scenes of arson, road blockades and violent confrontations.


At least 19 people have been reported dead as of Tuesday afternoon.

Despite lifting the social media ban on Monday night in an attempt to calm tempers, the government’s move failed to pacify protesters, who accuse Oli’s administration of “widespread corruption and abuse of power.”

The anger has since morphed into direct demands for the Prime Minister’s resignation.

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The unrest has already forced ministerial resignations. Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari stepped down Tuesday, denouncing the violent crackdown on demonstrators, while Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned earlier, taking moral responsibility for the state’s mishandling of the protests.

Oli appealed for calm following an all-party meeting.

“I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion... I humbly request all brothers and sisters to remain calm in this difficult situation,” he said.

Curfews have been declared in multiple regions, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Koshi Province, Birgunj and Makwanpur, with highways, markets and public spaces shuttered under heavy police deployment. Yet protesters continued to pour onto the streets, clashing with security forces in Kathmandu, where tear gas was used to disperse stone-throwing crowds.

Also read: Nepal PM Oli calls all-party meet as anti-govt protests intensify

The violence has spread well beyond the capital. The house of Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung was set ablaze, while the residences of Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were also attacked.

Demonstrators attempted to storm the homes of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Adding to the atmosphere of crisis, local television channels broadcast reports speculating that Oli might be preparing to flee the country, with helicopters seen hovering in Lalitpur’s Bhaisepati area.

India, watching the unrest unfold in its Himalayan neighbour, expressed condolences over the loss of young lives and urged restraint. The Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals in Nepal to adhere strictly to local curfew orders and safety advisories.