Anti-Government Protests Escalate, Residences of Top Leaders Torched Across Nepal

KATHMANDU, Sept 9– Anti-government protests in Nepal spiraled out of control on Tuesday, with demonstrators torching and vandalizing the private residences of top political leaders, including the president and prime minister, as security forces struggled to contain the unrest.

Protesters set fire to President Ramchandra Paudel’s home in Bohoratar and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s residence in Balkot, according to police and local media reports. The Budhanilkantha residence of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was also targeted, while the home of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Khumaltar was vandalized. Ministerial quarters in Bhaisepati were likewise set ablaze.

Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba’s residence in Dhangadhi, Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung’s home in Sunakothi, and Energy Minister Deepak Khadka’s residence in Budhanilkantha were also set on fire. Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa’s home in Ratopul, UML Secretary Raghubir Mahaseth’s residence, and the house of UML leader Surendra Pandey were among other properties attacked.

Security forces have begun evacuating senior leaders to undisclosed safe locations as clashes continued into the evening.

The unrest follows days of escalating demonstrations by the “Gen Z” movement, a youth-led protest wave fueled by anger over rising unemployment, corruption and political deadlock. At least 17 people have been killed and dozens injured in clashes with security forces since the weekend, hospital officials said.

The protests, which began in Kathmandu, have spread rapidly across the country, targeting the homes of ruling and opposition leaders alike. Analysts say the movement reflects deep frustration among young Nepalis who accuse the political elite of failing to deliver on promises made since the end of the civil war and the drafting of the 2015 constitution.

Authorities have deployed additional police and army units in major cities, but officials privately admit they are struggling to bring the situation under control.