Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died on 9/9 after protesters set fire to the family's home in the Dallu area of Kathmandu.

She was trapped inside and suffered severe burns. Chitrakar was taken to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but did not survive. Khanal, who served as prime minister from February to August 2011, was not at home at the time.

Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal (right) and his wife, Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar Khanal (left) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 5/11/2011. Photo: AFP

Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal (right) and his wife, Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar Khanal (left) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 5/11/2011. Photo: AFP

Large-scale protests erupted in Nepal on 8/9, with tens of thousands taking to the streets of Kathmandu to express anger after the government blocked most social media platforms, including Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram. The government claimed these companies had not registered and complied with government oversight.

Protesters expressed frustration with government corruption and officials' displays of wealth. Clashes with security forces ensued, with protesters setting fire to the homes of Nepalese leaders and government buildings. The violence resulted in over 20 deaths and more than 300 injuries.

Tensions remain high despite the government lifting the social media ban and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation. On 10/9, the Nepalese army deployed soldiers across the country to restore order.

Hong Hanh (Economic Times)