• Source:JND
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Nepal Gen Z protests:  The anti-corruption protests in Nepal, largely driven by Gen Z youth, turned more violent on Tuesday after demonstrators vandalised and set fire to the private residence of President Ram Chandra Paudel in Kathmandu. Local media reported that the private residence was also attacked by protesters, who forcibly entered and vandalized the property.

On the other hand, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence in Bhaktapur was also set ablaze by protesters, local videos showed. They also demonstrated in front of former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba’s house at Budhanilkantha in Kathmandu. According to police, protestors initially hurled stones at the minister’s house before the situation escalated into arson. Though the blaze was quickly brought under control, the incident highlighted the deepening public anger against the government. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported in the attack.

Despite an indefinite curfew imposed across Kathmandu and neighbouring districts, thousands of young protestors gathered outside parliament and at various intersections of the capital, chanting slogans against corruption and the government’s handling of the crisis. The protests, sparked by a nationwide ban on 26 social media and messaging apps last week, entered their second day with widespread clashes reported in multiple areas. At least 19 people were killed and over 100 were injured on Monday when police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to storm parliament.

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Three Ministers Resign Amid Public Anger

In a sign of mounting pressure on the government, Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari resigned on Tuesday, condemning what he described as an “authoritarian crackdown” on peaceful demonstrators. His decision came a day after Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also stepped down, taking moral responsibility for the deaths. Both ministers are from the ruling coalition, deepening the political crisis for Oli, who is facing his fourth term as prime minister since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

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India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and urged restraint on all sides. In its advisory, the MEA said, “We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.” The statement further advised Indian nationals in Nepal to exercise caution, strictly follow local guidelines, and avoid movement during curfew hours. Despite lifting the controversial social media ban that triggered the unrest, anger among Nepal’s Gen Z protestors shows no sign of abating, with demonstrations spreading to cities beyond Kathmandu Valley.