Nepal political leaders’ homes set on fire, army begins evacuation

Nepal's army has begun evacuating ministers from their official residences after a wave of violent protests erupted across the country, particularly in the capital, Kathmandu. Demonstrators, largely composed of students and young citizens, have vandalized and set fire to government properties, including homes of ministers and senior officials.

According to The Kathmandu Post, army helicopters were deployed on Tuesday to extract ministers from high-risk areas, particularly in the Bhaisepati neighborhood of Kathmandu. Security forces have been stationed to guard the Parliament building, and top officials have been relocated to military barracks for protection.

The unrest, led primarily by Generation Z activists, escalated on Tuesday with widespread stone-throwing and arson targeting political leaders’ residences. In Lalitpur, protesters set fire to the home of Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung. The residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel in Bhaisepati was also attacked. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s home was targeted a day after his resignation.

Stones were reportedly thrown at the residence of opposition leader and CPN Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal as well. Despite heightened security measures, protesters have continued to attack the homes of chief ministers, provincial ministers, and other political figures across several districts.

The protests were sparked by growing public anger over alleged government corruption and the recent imposition of restrictions on social media platforms. Demonstrations turned deadly on Monday, with at least 19 confirmed deaths and hundreds injured, many of whom are being treated in hospitals.

In the wake of the violence, the government has lifted its controversial ban on social media. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned following widespread criticism over the use of excessive force against demonstrators.