Kathmandu in flames: A city scarred by protest and fire | VIDEOS

Kathmandu, Nepal: The streets of Nepal's capital have descended into chaos as violent, youth-led protests over a social media ban and government corruption erupt into full-blown unrest, leaving at least 19 people dead, dozens injured, and key government buildings engulfed in flames.

Flames erupt from the Parliament building in Kathmandu as protesters storm the premises.

According to police, what began as a massive demonstration quickly turned violent on Monday, as crowds attempted to storm the Parliament building. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and, according to eyewitnesses, live rounds.

Former PM’s wife killed in attack

The violence escalated tragically when Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, was killed in an arson attack on their Kathmandu residence.

Chitrakar, who was trapped inside the house during the attack, was critically injured and later died at Kirtipur Burn Hospital, according to family sources.

️Government buildings in ashes 

Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators setting fire to multiple government buildings, including the President’s Office, as rage against the establishment boils over.

The protests — led predominantly by Gen Z activists — are a direct response to a government-imposed social media ban, seen by many as a crackdown on freedom of expression.

The building of Kantipur publication, Nepal's biggest media outlet, was torched and damaged. Car showrooms were also torched and burned-out vehicles dotted the streets.

Anger has also been fueled by long-standing allegations of corruption and mismanagement by top officials.

Leadership collapse

Amid mounting pressure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned, a move confirmed by President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday.

In a televised statement reported by The Himalayan Times, President Paudel urged protesters to end the violence and engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis:

“With Prime Minister Oli’s resignation accepted, the country must now focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction,” the President said.

A city on edge

Kathmandu remains under partial lockdown, with curfews in effect and military forces deployed across sensitive zones.

Nepalese soldiers guarded the streets of the country's capital on Wednesday and ordered people to stay at home as they moved to restore order after tens of thousands of protesters stormed and set fire to government buildings and attacked politicians.

Armed troops guarding the main areas of Kathmandu appeared to give some sense of control returning to the city that was engulfed in violence and chaos in the previous days. Soldiers told residents about the curfew in place as they checked vehicles and people.

The violence unfolded as Nepal's government pursues a broader attempt to regulate social media with a bill aimed at ensuring the platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.”