Nepal is currently experiencing significant political and social upheaval. The movement, which began against social media bans and rising corruption, has now turned violent. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that the Nepali army has taken command of the entire country since Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, a major piece of news is emerging: former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has left the country for Dubai after resigning. In fact, a Nepali air hostess shared a video from the airport, claiming that Oli had departed from Kathmandu for Dubai. This video is going viral on social media and further inflaming the anger of the protesters.
Media reports even suggest that Oli sought assistance from the army to leave the country. It is reported that he went to Dubai under the guise of medical treatment. A Himalaya Airlines jet was also kept on standby for him. In the meantime, the sighting of helicopters in the Bhaisepati area of Lalitpur has further fueled these speculations.
On the second day of the protests, the outrage of the demonstrators was so great that they set fire to Oli’s private residence, along with the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court. According to the latest reports, 22 people have died and more than 400 people have been injured in the clashes and arson so far.
The Nepali army has clearly stated that some disruptive elements are targeting ordinary citizens and government properties. Incidents of looting, arson, and vandalism are occurring in many areas, including the capital Kathmandu. The army has appealed to the people to stay away from these activities, or strict action will be taken.
Not only Oli, but the protesters also targeted three other former prime ministers. The houses of Sher Bahadur Deuba, Jhalanath Khanal, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda were set on fire. Former PM Khanal’s wife, Rajalakshmi Chitrakar, was seriously burned in the fire and later died in the hospital. Meanwhile, Sher Bahadur Deuba was beaten by the protesters who entered his house, and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was chased and beaten publicly.