KATHMANDU: Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, has died after sustaining fatal burn injuries when protesters allegedly set her home ablaze in Dallu, Kathmandu, Indian media reported on Tuesday.

According to family members, demonstrators forced Chitrakar inside the residence before igniting the fire. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Reports indicated she had suffered severe burns to multiple parts of her body, including her lungs.

The attack came as violent, Gen Z-led protests spread across Nepal for a second consecutive day, triggered by corruption allegations, unemployment, and the government’s social media ban.

Despite the ban being lifted late Monday, demonstrators continued torching buildings, leading to the closure of Kathmandu airport and prompting India to issue an advisory urging its nationals in Nepal to remain indoors.

Videos circulating online showed the Parliament building and residences of top political leaders, including President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and former premiers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba, being set on fire.

Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was also reportedly attacked, though the authenticity of some footage could not be independently verified.

At least 19 people were killed during rallies a day earlier, one of the deadliest crackdowns in years which fuelled public anger. Facing mounting pressure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation, with aides confirming he stepped down after consultations with the Nepal Army Chief.

President Ramchandra Paudel, whose offices were also set on fire by mobs, pleaded for “all parties to exercise restraint, to not allow further damage”.

The call was echoed by neighbouring India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the “stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us”.

The United Nations rights chief, Volker Turk, said he was “appalled” by the violence and called for talks. Those appeals did not seem to be heeded.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said the headquarters of a major publisher — the Kantipur Media Group — was burning, and called on “protesters not to target journalists”.

The International Crisis Group called it a “major inflection point in the country’s uneasy experience with democratic rule”.

Kathmandu’s airport remains open, but some flights were cancelled after smoke from fires affected visibility, airport spokesman Rinji Sherpa said.

— With additional input from AFP.

• Qatar condemns strike as reckless and unlawful.
• Saudi Arabia warns of dire regional consequences.
• Turkey says Israel pursuing expansionist politics.
  

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s air strike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, terming it a “most dangerous provocation” that threatens regional peace and stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on X, said the attack was “unlawful and heinous”, as it endangered the lives of innocent civilians by striking a residential area in the Qatari capital.

“This act of aggression by Israel is totally unjustified, a brazen violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, and constitutes a most dangerous provocation that could imperil regional peace and stability,” he said.

Expressing solidarity with the Qatari leadership, he added that Pakistan “stands firmly with the State of Qatar, as well as with the people of Palestine against Israel’s aggression”.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the strike, calling it “reprehensible” and a blatant violation of international law. He stressed that Pakistan “reiterates its unwavering support for the people and the State of Qatar in these grave times”.

Israel confirmed it had carried out the attack as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”

Qatar, where Hamas has long maintained its political base, strongly condemned the “cowardly” strike, with its foreign ministry declaring it a “blatant violation of international laws and norms” that posed a serious threat to the safety of Qataris and residents.

Doha Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said on X that Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour”.

The international community also voiced alarm. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres termed the attack a “flagrant violation of sovereignty”, urging all parties to work towards a permanent ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the brutal Israeli aggression and flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the sisterly State of Qatar.

The foreign ministry statement warned of “the dire consequences resulting from the Israeli occupation’s persistence in its criminal violations and its blatant violation of the principles of international law and all international norms.”

Pope Leo described the situation as “very serious”, while Saudi Arabia denounced the strike as “brutal aggression” with dire consequences for the region.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said it was part of Israel’s “series of aggressions” against regional stability. Iran labelled the strike “dangerous” and a breach of international law, while the UAE condemned it as a “cowardly” escalation and pledged solidarity with Qatar.

Turkiye said targeting Hamas’s delegation during ongoing ceasefire talks proved Israel had no intention of peace but was instead pursuing “expansionist politics” and using “terrorism as state policy”.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Israel’s attack on Hamas officials in Qatar is “dangerous” and a “violation of international law”, Iranian media reported.

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates also condemned the Israeli strikes in Doha.

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, hours after the country lifted a social media ban that sparked deadly anti-corruption protests.

At least 19 people were killed as security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters on Monday.

Here is a look at what happened.

Why did protests break out?

The Nepalese government’s decision to block access to several social media platforms that missed a deadline to register with the authorities was the spark for the demonstration.

When announcing the ban last week, the government said it was cracking down on misuse of the platforms, where some users with fake IDs were spreading hatred and rumours, committing cybercrime and disturbing social harmony.

How did the situation become violent?

Organisers of the protests, who have called them “demonstrations by Gen Z”, said young people were also frustrated with what they perceived as the government’s failure to tackle corruption and boost economic opportunities.

The protests— consisting mostly of young people—many wearing school or college uniforms, began in Kathmandu but quickly spread to other cities, and police were ordered to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to control the crowds.

Officials in the capital city said some of the protesters forced their way into the parliament complex—where the army was also deployed—set fire to an ambulance and hurled objects at security personnel.

Protesters said they were unarmed and security forces had fired indiscriminately.

How did the government respond?

The social media ban was lifted overnight, with all apps subsequently available to users in Nepal.

Oli resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing the “adverse situation” in the country and saying he was stepping down to facilitate a solution and help resolve the issue “politically in accordance with the constitution”.

What is the situation on the ground?

Although protesters were still on the streets in some places, no violence or clashes were reported after Oli resigned from his post as security forces did not interfere to disperse crowds.

Flight services, however, remain impacted with Kathmandu airport, the Himalayan nation’s main gateway, halting operations.

Nepal’s army has urged restraint and a peaceful solution through political dialogue.

How have other countries reacted?

Nepal’s neighbour India has expressed hope that all parties will exercise restraint and resolve issues through talks.

A joint statement by embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, Norway, Germany, and the US has similarly urged “maximum restraint” and protection of fundamental rights.