Kathmandu: Protesters enraged by Monday’s deadly crackdown have escalated attacks on political leaders’ private residences, with incidents reported in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Janakpur, and now Dhangadhi.
Demonstrators set fire to the Dhangadhi residence of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday, adding to a growing list of political figures whose homes have been targeted.
In the capital, protesters pelted stones at Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s Khumaltar residence, surrounded former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s Balkot home, and vandalized the Naikap residence of outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, with attempts of arson reported. The Lalitpur home of Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung was also set ablaze.
Beyond Kathmandu Valley, protesters attacked the Janakpur residence of CPN-UML Secretary Raghuveer Mahaseth, hurling stones at his home in Bharmarpuri.
The unrest follows Monday’s crackdown, in which 19 protesters were killed and more than 400 injured after security forces opened fire on what demonstrators called a peaceful protest. Despite curfews in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, demonstrations have continued with political leaders’ residences and government offices becoming primary targets.