Kathmandu: Nepal is reeling from one of the deadliest waves of civil unrest in its recent history, as the death toll from anti-corruption protests surged to 72 on Sunday. The Health Ministry confirmed that many of the newly recovered bodies were found in charred buildings and looted structures, a grim reminder of the scale of destruction that engulfed the country last week.
Government sources reported that numerous victims perished inside shopping malls, government offices, and private homes that were set ablaze during the violence. Among the properties targeted were the residences of President Ramchandra Paudel and outgoing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. In addition, mobs stormed the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and several police stations, leaving behind smoldering ruins.
Health Ministry spokesperson Prakash Budathoki said that over 2,100 people have been injured since the protests erupted. Hospitals across the capital and neighboring districts are overwhelmed, with doctors warning of shortages in critical care supplies. Families of the missing have been queuing outside morgues, bracing for news of loved ones who never returned home.
The unrest, initially triggered by a widely unpopular social media ban, soon morphed into a broader uprising against entrenched corruption and weak governance. Amid the violence, Prime Minister Oli stepped down, acknowledging the loss of public trust. In his place, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as interim prime minister, tasked with restoring stability ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5.
Analysts argue that the protests were not just about the social media ban, which was quickly revoked, but reflected deep-seated frustrations. For years, citizens have accused political elites of misusing power, ignoring transparency, and enriching themselves while ordinary Nepalis struggle with unemployment, inflation, and inadequate infrastructure. The ban became the spark in an already volatile political climate.
As Nepal buries its dead, the country stands at a critical juncture. While the government promises to investigate the violence and compensate victims, trust in state institutions remains fragile. International observers, including the United Nations, have expressed concern over the rising instability and called for accountability and dialogue.
The coming months will test Nepal’s ability to balance public anger with democratic resilience. For many grieving families, however, the wounds left by this week’s violence may take far longer to heal.