India has increased security measures along its border with Nepal as the Himalayan country descends into political and social chaos following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Oli resigned on September 9, presenting his resignation to President Ram Chandra Poudel after several days of large-scale anti-corruption protests that resulted in 19 fatalities. His resignation occurred less than two months after he was appointed Prime Minister through a consensus with the Nepali Congress, the largest political party in the nation. The unrest, primarily driven by Nepal’s Gen Z demographic, has escalated into unprecedented levels of violence. On September 9, demonstrators stormed the parliament building in the Baneshwor area of Kathmandu and set it ablaze, just a day after security forces fatally shot protestors attempting to breach the premises. Singh Durbar, the principal administrative complex of the government, also faced an assault, with its gates set on fire by the crowds. Reports of arson and vandalism have proliferated throughout the capital and other regions. The residences of several prominent leaders — including former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sher Bahadur Deuba, as well as President Ram Chandra Poudel — were targeted. Footage of Prime Minister Oli’s residence in Bhaktapur being engulfed in flames circulated widely on social media.
The situation took a tragic turn when Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the spouse of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, perished after protestors trapped her inside her home and ignited it, as reported by local media. The government is experiencing resignations from within its ranks. Health Minister Pradip Poudel and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary have resigned, expressing remorse over the violent response to the young demonstrators. Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which is Nepal’s fourth largest political party, have also resigned collectively, calling for the establishment of an interim government.
