Why Are Houses of Nepal PM Oli and Other Leaders Being Torched?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Protests in Nepal have escalated into violence, targeting governmental figures.
- 19 individuals lost their lives during police actions, fueling public outrage.
- Resignations among government ministers indicate a fracture within the ruling coalition.
- Authorities have implemented a curfew and closed the airport for safety reasons.
- The situation reflects deep-seated societal tensions.
Kathmandu, Sep 9 (NationPress) The protests in Nepal intensified on Tuesday, continuing into a second day as demonstrators set ablaze and vandalized the residences of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and numerous other ministers.
The ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) (CPN-UML) and Nepali Congress party headquarters in the Kathmandu Valley were also damaged and ignited.
Local media reported instances of arson and vandalism at government offices across various regions.
Authorities noted that the atmosphere in Kathmandu remains charged as protests escalate throughout the valley, despite a curfew imposed by local governments.
Fury has erupted following the deaths of 19 individuals during police action against Gen Z protests on Monday, leading to widespread demonstrations against the administration of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
Fractures within the ruling coalition have emerged due to the loss of life, with at least four ministers resigning from their roles.
Following the resignations of the Home and Agriculture Ministers, Health and Population Minister Pradip Poudel and Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary have also stepped down, expressing regret over the violent response against the protesters.
Videos circulating on social media depict the burning of Prime Minister Oli's residence in Balakot, located in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu. Reports indicate that protestors have forcibly entered the Singh Durbar, the main governmental administrative hub.
Chief District Officer of the Lalitpur District Administration, Suman Ghimire, confirmed that the residence of former Prime Minister Dahal was torched, with demonstrators gathering outside the designated residences of government officials.
"The situation is tense as protests have erupted across various parts of the district," Ghimire stated.
Similarly, Bhaktapur District Chief District Officer Namaraj Ghimire reported ongoing tensions in the district.
"We are exercising maximum restraint and have not ordered the shooting of protestors," he clarified.
Local reports also confirmed the burning of residences belonging to former Prime Minister Deuba, President Ram Chandra Poudel, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
A video has emerged showing a helicopter transporting ministers from their official residences, while unconfirmed reports suggest that Prime Minister Oli is heading to the United Arab Emirates for medical care.
As protests continue near the airport, raising safety concerns for aircraft, Nepal has temporarily closed the Tribhuvan International Airport, according to local media.