PM Oli’s Private Residence Set On Fire Amid Escalating Gen-Z Protests in Nepal
On September 9, 2025, Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, descended into chaos as Gen Z-led protests escalated into unprecedented violence, culminating in the torching of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur. This dramatic act of defiance, part of a broader anti-government uprising, marked a turning point in Nepal’s ongoing political crisis. Sparked by a controversial social media ban and fueled by deep-seated anger over corruption, the protests have shaken the nation, leading to Oli’s resignation and raising questions about Nepal’s future. This blog explores the events leading to the arson, the motivations behind the protests, and the broader implications for the Himalayan nation.
The Spark: A Social Media Ban Ignites Fury
The unrest began on September 4, 2025, when the Oli-led government banned 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, citing their failure to register with local authorities and comply with a new regulation bill. Described by protestors as a “direct assault on speech, work, and connectivity,” the ban severed vital communication channels in a country where 90% of the population is online, and many rely on social media for news, business, and staying connected with families abroad.
For Nepal’s youth, dubbed the “Gen Z Revolution,” the ban was not just about digital access—it was a symbol of broader governance failures. The protests erupted on September 8 in Kathmandu’s Maitighar neighborhood, with thousands, many in school or college uniforms, demanding the ban’s reversal and action against systemic corruption. The demonstrations turned deadly when police used live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 300.
Escalation: From Protests to Arson
By September 9, the protests had intensified, defying curfews imposed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and other cities. Demonstrators, enraged by the previous day’s fatalities, targeted symbols of authority. Early that morning, a large crowd marched to Oli’s private residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur, 23 kilometers east of Kathmandu. Breaching police barricades, they pelted stones and set fire to two houses within the compound, with videos showing flames and thick black smoke billowing from the property. Oli, who was at the official Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, was unharmed but faced mounting pressure.
The arson was not an isolated act. Protestors also torched the private residence of President Ram Chandra Poudel in Bohoratar, vandalized the homes of ministers like Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and set fire to the Nepali Congress party office in Sanepa. The Parliament building in New Baneshwor was breached and set ablaze, with visuals capturing plumes of smoke and protestors chanting slogans like “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (K.P. Oli is a thief, leave the country).
Why the Fury? A Generation’s Grievances
The Gen Z protests reflect deep-rooted frustrations with Nepal’s political and economic landscape. Since the monarchy’s abolition in 2008, Nepal has seen 13 governments in 17 years, with persistent allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The youth, facing limited job opportunities and a per capita income of $1,300, are particularly disillusioned. Over 7.5% of Nepalis work abroad as migrant laborers, relying on platforms like WhatsApp to connect with families, making the social media ban a personal affront.
Social media also amplified anger over perceived elite privilege. Videos of politicians’ children living lavish lifestyles—circulated widely before the ban—contrasted sharply with the struggles of ordinary Nepalis. A 2024 Himalmedia survey showed growing support for reinstating a Hindu monarchy, reflecting distrust in the republic’s leadership. Protestors, inspired by youth-led uprisings in Sri Lanka (2022) and Bangladesh (2024), demanded not just Oli’s resignation but systemic reform.
The torching of Oli’s residence symbolized this rage. As one protestor, Narayan Acharya, stated, “We are here to protest because our youths and friends are getting killed. K.P. Oli should be chased away.” The act of setting fire to his home was a direct challenge to his authority, accusing him of prioritizing power and corruption over public welfare.
The Fallout: Resignations and Chaos
The protests forced swift political consequences. On September 9, Oli resigned, stating he was stepping down “to facilitate a solution to the problem and help resolve it politically.” His resignation followed the departure of nine cabinet ministers, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari, and Health Minister Pradip Paudel, who cited moral responsibility for the protest deaths. President Ram Chandra Poudel accepted Oli’s resignation, and the process to select a new leader began.
The government lifted the social media ban late on September 8, but this failed to quell the unrest. Protestors continued to defy curfews, attacking media houses and government offices, while the Nepali Army deployed helicopters to evacuate ministers from Bhaisepati to Tribhuvan International Airport, which was shut down due to security concerns. Reports of protestors disrupting flights with drones and fireworks added to the chaos.
Regional and International Implications
The unrest had ripple effects beyond Nepal. India, sharing a 1,751-kilometer border with Nepal, issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel and exercise caution. The Sashastra Seema Bal intensified border
