Nepal Gen Z Protest News Highlights: PM Modi issues appeal for peace – ‘Heart-wrenching to see…’

According to a CNN News18 update, the wife of former PM Jhalanath Khanal was killed on Tuesday after angry protesters set his house on fire. Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar had been inside at the time and was hospitalised with critical burns and extensive lung damage. She eventually succumbed to her injuries.

All inmates of Nakkhu Jail in Lalitpur have reportedly left the facility soon after the release of Rastriya Swatantra Party chairman Rabi Lamichhane. Around 1,500 prisoners were being held at the jail before the incident. Source-based reports suggest that the mass exit was made possible after the police vacated their posts — sparking concerns about public safety and security in the area.

Nepal has been plunged into uncertainty as widespread protests prompted both the Prime Minister and the President to resign on Tuesday. President Ram Chandra Paudel had indicated earlier that the Oli-led cabinet would continue until a new government was formed. Protesters have, however, issued calls for all lawmakers to resign.

Army Chief set to address the country shortly. The update came moments after Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel resigned. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had already quit on Tuesday afternoon.

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel has stepped down hours after accepting the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. According to reports, all leaders of have been asked to resign.

According to a Khabarhub report, the protesters have set fire to the home of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal. His wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar was inside at the time and reportedly suffered severe burns. She was taken to the Kirtipur Burn Hospital and remains in a critical condition with extensive injuries and serious lung damage.

Bishnu Prasad Paudel — the Deputy PM and Finance Minister of Nepal — was allegedly thrashed and stripped by protesters. Videos purportedly recorded at the scene appeared to show the 65-year-old being dragged around by his hands and legs by a group of people.

Former minister Ek Nath Dhakal was also stripped and paraded by the protesters. Others including former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba were also assaulted and taken into ‘custody’ by the protesters.

An indefinite curfew was imposed in the Nepali city of Birgunj on Tuesday amid growing unrest. The announcement was made following large-scale arson in the area — close to the border with Bihar.

The Nepali Army and chiefs of other security agencies issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, urging protesters to restrain and resolve the crisis through dialogue.

“As the Prime Minister’s resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call upon all to restrain and not to allow more loss to life and property in this difficult situation…A peaceful resolution through dialogue is the only way to restore order and stability,” they said.

The domestic Yeti Airlines has cancelled all scheduled flights for today. It cited the nationwide curfews, security concerns, and worsening circumstances in the Kathmandu Valley. The announcement was made hours after Tribhuvan International Airport — the only international gateway from Nepal — was completely closed on Tuesday afternoon.

Protesters in Kathmandu have reportedly set the Kantipur television station on fire. This comes a day after Kantipur Television journalist Shyam Shrestha was shot with rubber bullets during the protest at Baneshwar.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah has urged Gen Z protesters to exercise restraint following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

“Dear Gen Z, your demand for the resignation of the government has been met. Now it is time to remain restrained,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

He also acknowledged the ongoing protest as “entirely a Gen Z movement” and cautioned against further damage to public and private property.

“The loss of the country’s wealth is, in reality, a loss to our own property. It is now essential that we all act with restraint.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday urged districts near the Nepal border to maintain peace and not “interfere” amid Gen Z protests in the neighbouring country.

“My request to our districts near the border (with Nepal) is to kindly maintain peace and ensure that no one gets into any trouble because this is not our matter. Let Nepal decide on its internal matter, although we love them. We must not interfere in this,” she said.

“Nepal is not my country; it is a foreign country, so I cannot comment on it. The Government of India will comment on it. But it is our neighbouring country, and we love Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and all bordering nations. However, given the current situation, if the Government of India informs us of anything, then we can respond accordingly. Otherwise, it is for the Government of India to take care of this matter,” the CM added.

Protesters in Nepal had begun calling for damage to public property as the agitation escalated on Tuesday. This has prompted counter-calls from student groups to avoid such damage. According to reports, they have now stepped in to surround and guard public assets and stop the angry crowd from causing destruction.

Multiple source-based reports suggested on Tuesday that ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli may soon leave the country. A private jet has reportedly been placed on standby for him — with the destination likely to be Dubai.

An India Today report suggested earlier on Tuesday afternoon that Oli could leave under the pretext of medical treatment. Private carrier Himalaya Airlines has reportedly kept an aircraft on standby.

The Sashastra Seema Bal that guards the 1751-km-long unfenced international front with Nepal has stepped up security across all its border posts and vulnerable points in the wake of unrest in Nepal. All the field commanders of the SSB have been asked to be on the ground and maintain an enhanced vigil.

“Additional forces have been deployed at 22 outposts of the SSB along the border, while police stations in five border areas are keeping surveillance through drone cameras,” Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said in Balrampur.

He added that intelligence agencies have been instructed to maintain strict monitoring, and all personnel deployed along the 85-km-long border in Balrampur have been directed to remain on high alert.

Police teams and SSB jawans are conducting joint patrols, while ‘Operation Kavach’ committees in the region have been asked to stay active and keep a close watch on cross-border movement.

Protesters have reportedly stormed the home of Sher Bahadur Deuba. They are now holding the former Prime Minister and his wife in custody. The Deubas were also allegedly assaulted by the agitators.

Videos purportedly from the scene appeared to show the ex-PM bleeding from the side of this face. Deuba is the president of the Nepali Congress, which is part of Nepal’s ruling coalition.

Multiple helicopters took off from the Bhaisepati ministerial quarters as ministers were evacuated on Tuesday. The government officials were flown towards Tribhuvan International Airport. Protesters have issued calls via social media for people to disrupt services at the airport — by launching fireworks, flying drones and even using laser lights.

According to reports, the GenZ protesters are pushing for Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah to be appointed as Interim Prime Minister.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also issued an update on Tuesday afternoon — urging citizens to exercise caution. The MEA said it had taken note of the curfews imposed in Kathmandu and several other Nepali cities and urged Indans to “exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines” issued by the authorities.

“We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured. As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will excercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the press release began.

The Embassy of India Kathmandu has issued an update for citizens amid the unrest.

“All Indian nationals in Nepal are hereby requested to note the following telephone numbers from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, for contact, in case they are facing any emergency situation or require assistance: +977 – 980 860 2881 , +977 – 981 032 6134.”

According to reports, theGen ZZ protesters have now stormed the Nepali Parliament and seized control of the premises. They had previously forced their way into Singha Durbar — the central administrative complex in Kathmandu that houses key government offices.

According to a Republica update, protesters have set fire to the house of former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. Eyewitnesses said the family was seen carrying belongings and begging for mercy while the agitators continued to chant slogans outside his home.

According to an update by Republica, the chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has been released from Nakhu jail. A party leader told the publication that Rabi Lamichhane had been released since the administration “could not provide security and asked the family to take responsibility”.

IndiGo Airlines issued an advisory cancelling all flights to and from Kathmandu airport.

“In view of the prevailing situation in #kathmandu, the airport has been closed for operations. Consequently, all flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now…We are closely monitoring the developments and coordinating with local authorities to resume operations at the earliest,” the airline wrote on X.

36-year-old Sudan Gurung is an activist and president of a youth-led NGO, Hami Nepal. According to reports, it is the agitation of this very NGO that transformed into a massive civic movement. On Instagram, the group has shared posts of various rallies and requests like urging students to wear school uniforms and carry books, turning demonstrations into a symbol of peaceful resistance.

Read More: Who is Sudan Gurung? The face behind Nepal’s huge Gen-Z protest

Air India has cancelled flights between Delhi and Kathmandu after the closure of airports amid anti-government protests.

“In view of the current situation prevailing in Kathmandu, the following flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218 and AI211/212 operating on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route have been cancelled today. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates,” the airline said in a statement.