Kathmandu witnessed a dramatic escalation in civil unrest on Tuesday as protestors set fire to Nepal’s Supreme Court, a symbol of the country’s judicial authority. The incident occurred just hours after Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned from office, following weeks of mounting pressure from nationwide protests. The blaze, which engulfed the historic building, marks a turning point in what many are calling Nepal’s most intense political crisis in recent memory.
The protests have been largely driven by Nepal’s youth, particularly members of the self-proclaimed “Gen Z movement.” Their anger was initially sparked by a controversial social media ban imposed by the government, which many viewed as an attempt to silence dissent. Although the ban was lifted on Monday night, frustration over corruption, unemployment, and lack of political accountability continued to fuel demonstrations. The Supreme Court fire was one of several coordinated attacks on government institutions.
In addition to the judiciary, protestors targeted the Parliament building, the Singha Durbar administrative complex, and the residences of prominent political figures including former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Videos circulating online show thick smoke rising from central Kathmandu, with protestors chanting slogans demanding systemic change. Security forces have struggled to contain the unrest, deploying tear gas and rubber bullets as clashes intensified.
The death toll from Monday’s confrontations has risen to 19, with more than 300 people injured. Authorities have imposed curfews in key regions such as Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Birgunj, but demonstrators remain defiant. Unconfirmed reports suggest Prime Minister Oli may be preparing to leave the country under the pretext of medical treatment, further fueling speculation and public outrage.
In response to the chaos, Nepal’s top security officials issued a joint statement urging protestors to pursue peaceful dialogue. Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah also appealed for calm, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Supreme Court fire, the world watches closely, hoping Nepal can find a path forward through reconciliation and reform.