Protesters Set Fire and Burn Former Prime Minister's Wife to Death; Military Intervenes to Maintain Security

The anti-government protest in Kathmandu, Nepal, on the 8th has resulted in 22 deaths. Although Prime Minister Oli and several ministers resigned successively on the 9th, it failed to calm the situation. Protesters continued to set fires in many parts of the city, including at the mansion of former Prime Minister Khanal, where his wife Chitraka was burned alive.

The military announced on the night of the 9th that it would intervene to maintain security, with soldiers joining operations in the early hours of the 10th to patrol the streets of Kathmandu.

The Army Chief of Staff and leaders of other security agencies issued a joint statement, calling on all sides to exercise restraint and all political parties to seek ways for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The military urged protesters to stop looting and arson, stating that security departments are committed to restoring law and order.

On the 9th, protesters set fire to structures including the Singha Durbar palace complex, the parliament building, the Supreme Court, party headquarters, politicians’ residences, police stations, and Khanal’s residence.

Khanal’s family revealed that when protesters set the house on fire, Chitraka was inside. She suffered severe burns and was in critical condition; after being rushed to the hospital, she ultimately died due to the seriousness of her injuries.

The Singha Durbar palace complex is the largest palace in Asia, with 1,700 rooms, built in 1903. Originally constructed as the Prime Minister's private residence, it now houses the Prime Minister’s Office and other key departments. All important documents were destroyed in the fire, and some rushed in to steal computers and furniture.