Destruction of Historic Singha Durbar Palace Amid Deadly Nepal Protests

Nepal plunged into chaos after Gen Z-led protests escalated against alleged corruption and social media bans on September 8th. Initially peaceful, these protests quickly turned violent, escalating in Kathmandu where 22 individuals, mainly anti-government protestors, were killed, and hundreds injured. In the violence’s wake, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, marking a significant political shift.

Demonstrators breached curfews, targeting public institutions, including Singha Durbar, Nepal’s administrative hub since 1908, which was burned down. This destruction spurred cultural loss concerns, articulated by advocate Hrishav Raj Joshi, emphasizing irreplaceable historical record losses. The unrest spotlights longstanding frustrations tied to corruption and nepotism, catalyzed further by the social media restrictions.

Despite widespread arson, many protesters condemned such violence, urging a focus on accountability and reform. Prominent images depicting police aggression towards protesters underscore the movement’s gravity. Protecting cultural landmarks emerged imperative, with activists urging preservation amidst calls for transformative governance.

The country’s turmoil, following its transition to a republic in 2008, signals a critical juncture in Nepal’s political evolution, as security forces strive to restore order and safeguard both heritage and public safety amidst renewed socio-political introspection.