The wife of former prime minister of Nepal Jhala Nath Khanal has died after she was burned alive when her home was set on fire amid violent anti-government protests in the country, regional media reported.
The Nepalese parliament building and the homes of political leaders were torched in the unrest, which has plunged the Himalayan state into a full-blown crisis.
The protests, which are being led by Gen Z, erupted on Monday in response to the government’s ban on major social media platform, combined with a longstanding resentment about political corruption and lack of opportunities for young people.
What To Know
Around two million Nepalese people work abroad and send money home. Nepal’s social media ban meant their families were no longer able to keep in touch with them.
The government repealed the ban on Tuesday with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and other key officials stepping down.
But demonstrations continue to rage on.
At least 22 have died and hundreds have been hurt in unrest.
Tens of thousands have defied curfew as the military calls for calm, negotiations.
Follow Newsweek for live updates.
A protester carries a firearm as demonstrators gather outside the Singha Durbar palace complex during a protest to condemn the police’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025, a day after demonstrations…
A protester carries a firearm as demonstrators gather outside the Singha Durbar palace complex during a protest to condemn the police’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025, a day after demonstrations over social media prohibitions and corruption by the government.
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PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images
02:59 PM EDT
Nepal deploys military in Kathmandu as protests escalate
In the early hours of Tuesday, heavily armed soldiers and police took to the streets of Kathmandu following a government order to restore order amid intensifying protests. Troops encircled demonstrators in several districts, with eyewitnesses reporting that some were forced to kneel with hands behind their heads.
The deployment came just two hours after the Nepali military publicly announced its intervention, marking a sharp escalation in the government’s response to days of unrest. Protesters, many of them young men, had earlier erected roadblocks using burning tires and brandished sticks at passing vehicles.
The move follows widespread demonstrations triggered by a controversial social media ban and growing public anger over corruption. With Nepal’s army known for its strict enforcement, the presence of troops signals a more forceful approach to quelling dissent.
02:28 PM EDT
Death toll rises to 22, with more than 200 injured
At least 22 people have died in the Gen Z-led protests across Nepal.
Around 19 people were killed in the clash between security forces and demonstrators on Monday.
Another three died in hospital on Tuesday. It’s not clear if they died from injuries sustained today or yesterday.
Another 200 injured people were admitted to Nepal’s Civil Service Hospital on Tuesday.
01:30 PM EDT
Nepal urging people to donate blood to help the wounded
Nepal’s Health Ministry is urging people to donate blood to help the wounded as the deadly protests rage on.
Hundreds were injured in a clash on Monday between protesters and security forces. At one point, security forces opened fire with live ammunition on the demonstrators, as well as using non-lethal methods such as rubber bullets and water cannons.
People can donate at Nepal’s central blood bank, in Kathmandu, and local hospitals, according to the state-run newspaper Rising Nepal.
12:12 PM EDT
WATCH: Newsweek Explains – The violent anti-government protests in Nepal
11:53 AM EDT
US embassy in Nepal warns Kathmandu has issued a curfew
The American Embassy in Nepal has warned that the local government in the capital of Kathmandu has announced a curfew amid violent anti-government protests across the country.
Visitors and locals will be barred from gathering, protesting or assembling in much of the center of the city and surrounding wards.
“Please avoid crowds, consider alternate routes/times to avoid potential disruptions, and stay alert for changing conditions,” the embassy said in a statement.
The U.S. Embassy said it will remain open but routine consular operations have been cancelled for Tuesday afternoon.
“All applicants who had appointments scheduled for this afternoon will be rescheduled at a further date. Please refer to our visa scheduling website for more information,” the embassy added.
Read the full list of locations under curfew here.
11:00 AM EDT
Why are people protesting in Nepal?
The demonstrations—called the protest of Gen Z—began after the government blocked platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, saying the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight.
But they spiraled to reflect broader discontent about a lack of opportunities and corruption.
In particular, many young people are angry that the children of political leaders—so-called Nepo Kids—seem to enjoy luxury lifestyles and numerous advantages while most youth struggle to find work.
With youth unemployment running at about 20 percent last year, according to the World Bank, the government estimates that more than 2,000 young people leave the country every day to seek work in the Middle East or southeast Asia.
This post uses reporting by The Associated Press.
10:02 AM EDT
Kathmandu mayor calls on Gen Z to “lead the nation”
Kathmandu’s Mayor Balen Shah urged Gen Z to “remain disciplined” and said it is their time to “lead the nation”.
“We had clearly said this: this movement belongs entirely to Gen Z,” Shah said in a statement posted to social media, translated into English.
“Dear Gen Z, your sacrifice has already brought about resignations. Now, it is time to remain disciplined!!
“The loss of the nation’s people is our collective loss of property. You and we must now be disciplined.
“From now on, your generation itself must lead the nation. Be ready!
“Also, be prepared to hold talks with the Army Chief. But remember—before talks, the parliament must be dissolved.”
09:55 AM EDT
Vivid images show chaos of Nepal unrest
Demonstrators run past flames outside the burning Nepali Congress Party office during a protest to condemn the police’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025, a day after demonstrations over social media…
Demonstrators run past flames outside the burning Nepali Congress Party office during a protest to condemn the police’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025, a day after demonstrations over social media prohibitions and corruption by the government.
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PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images
Demonstrators carry an injured victim during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, held to condemn the government over social media prohibitions and corruption.
Demonstrators carry an injured victim during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, held to condemn the government over social media prohibitions and corruption.
PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images
Nepalese army soldiers disperse protesters from Singha Durbar, the seat of Nepal’s government’s various ministries and offices, after it was set on fire during a protest against a social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu,…
Nepalese army soldiers disperse protesters from Singha Durbar, the seat of Nepal’s government’s various ministries and offices, after it was set on fire during a protest against a social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
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AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha
A demonstrator shouts slogans during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, condemning social media prohibitions and corruption by the government.
A demonstrator shouts slogans during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, condemning social media prohibitions and corruption by the government.
PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images
Smoke billows out after Nepal’s Parliament building was set on fire by agitators amid massive anti-government protests, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Smoke billows out after Nepal’s Parliament building was set on fire by agitators amid massive anti-government protests, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Abhishek Maharjan/PTI via AP
09:48 AM EDT
Nepali Army appeals to young protesters to be responsible
In a statement posted to social media, the Nepali Army appealed to young protesters to “act responsibly, remain disciplined” as the disorder spiralled out of control.
The statement, translated into English, said:
“The Nepali Army has always been committed to protecting Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, geographical integrity, freedom, national unity, and the safety of the Nepali people.
“In the current situation as well, the Nepali Army continues to remain steadfast in this responsibility. The Nepali Army has been closely monitoring the recent tragic incidents that have taken place in Nepal.
“In these incidents, precious lives of citizens have been lost, and irreparable damage has been caused.
“The Nepali Army expresses its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives while wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“Dedicated to the security and welfare of Nepal and the Nepali people, the Nepali Army reiterates its unwavering commitment to national defense, security, and stability even in such challenging times.
“The institution firmly believes that safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and unity requires mutual trust, cooperation, and harmony among all.
“Therefore, in this difficult period, the Nepali Army sincerely appeals to the entire youth community and all patriotic citizens of Nepal to act responsibly, remain disciplined, and contribute collectively toward strengthening national unity.”
09:44 AM EDT
Former Nepali PM and foreign minister wife attacked
Another former Nepali prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, who is the serving foreign minister, were also attacked at their home amid the protests.
They had to be escorted to safety by the army. Video footage shared on social media showed a bloody Deuba after the attack.