Nepal Foreign Minister Assaulted Amid Gen Z Protests

Nepal’s capital descended into turmoil as violent protests led by Gen Z activists culminated in the assault of Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and her husband, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, at their Kathmandu residence on September 9. The unrest, which forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation and prompted a military-imposed curfew, marks a dramatic escalation of public discontent over corruption and a controversial social media ban.

Just four days prior, on September 4, Dr. Deuba, 63, was pictured unveiling two U.S.-provided aircraft at Tribhuvan International Airport, symbolizing Nepal’s diplomatic ties. By September 9, viral videos captured her being punched and kicked by protesters who stormed her home, leaving both her and Sher Bahadur Deuba bloodied but alive. The couple was rescued by the Nepal Army, which has since taken control of security operations nationwide.

The protests erupted in response to a government ban on 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram, imposed by Oli’s administration citing revenue and cybersecurity concerns. The restriction ignited outrage among young Nepalis, who accused the government of authoritarianism and corruption. Demonstrators torched key government buildings, including the Parliament and President’s office, resulting in at least 19 deaths, primarily students, and over 500 injuries.

Also Read: Elderly Sikh Man Attacked in LA Gurdwara Assault

Following the violence, Oli revoked the ban and resigned, but the unrest persists, with curfews imposed in Kathmandu and other cities. The Nepal Army has urged restraint, while airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, canceled flights to Kathmandu after protesters attempted to storm the airport. The crisis underscores deep public frustration, with before-and-after images of Dr. Deuba circulating on social media as a stark symbol of Nepal’s rapid descent into chaos.

Also Read: Europe-Iran Nuclear Talks Scheduled Ahead of Deadline