Nepal Ministers Escape via Army Chopper Amid Protests
Viral video from Nepal shows rescue basket airlifting people above Kathmandu hotel, with thick smoke rising dramatically in the chaotic background.
Nepal Ministers Flee via Army Helicopters as ‘Gen Z’ Protests Set Capital Ablaze
Kathmandu witnessed some of its most dramatic and chaotic moments this week as violent protests gripped the city, forcing government ministers and their families to flee in scenes that looked straight out of a disaster movie. Distressing visuals and viral clips circulating online have laid bare just how intense the anger on the streets has become, painting a picture of a government under siege by its own people.
In one of the most widely shared videos, ministers and their family members were seen clinging onto the sling ropes of an army helicopter as it evacuated them from furious mobs below. A rescue basket dangled from the chopper as it hovered over a Kathmandu hotel, with thick black smoke rising in the background. Onlookers screamed at the aircraft, some hurling abuses, others recording the surreal spectacle on their phones as the helicopter carried away its passengers.
Ministers under attackThe chaos was not limited to the skies. On the ground, some of Nepal’s top political figures faced direct attacks from protesters. Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was chased down a narrow street by an angry crowd, who punched and kicked him before security forces intervened. In another disturbing clip, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and her husband, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, were reportedly attacked at their Kathmandu residence. Their home was vandalized, with broken windows and debris scattered across the courtyard.
The authenticity of some videos could not be independently verified, but the sheer number of clips emerging online has left the government rattled. The rapid spread of these visuals, amplified by social media, has only further fueled public anger.
Parliament torched in dramatic escalationThe most symbolic and devastating act of the unrest unfolded on Tuesday, when tens of thousands of protesters—mostly young people from the so-called “Gen Z movement”—stormed Nepal’s capital. Their fury targeted the heart of power. The Parliament building, a landmark of Nepal’s democracy, was set ablaze, with flames and smoke billowing into the Kathmandu sky. For many, the image of the burning Parliament encapsulated the breakdown of trust between citizens and their leaders.
Protesters also vandalized homes of senior leaders, smashing gates and windows, setting vehicles on fire, and leaving behind trails of destruction. The scale of the anger shocked not only the ruling class but also the international community watching closely.
What triggered the unrestAt the core of the protests was a controversial move by the government to briefly ban social media platforms, citing “national security concerns.” But instead of curbing unrest, the decision ignited it. Young people, already disillusioned by years of corruption, unemployment, and lack of opportunities, saw the ban as an attempt to silence their voices.
The protests quickly spiraled beyond the issue of internet restrictions. The anger tapped into deeper frustrations with the political elite, who many accuse of enriching themselves while leaving ordinary citizens to struggle with rising costs and shrinking prospects.
The violence and mounting public pressure eventually forced Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli to resign. His resignation was announced late Tuesday, with the president’s office confirming that he would remain as caretaker until a new leader is chosen. However, Oli’s authority appeared severely diminished, and his exact whereabouts remained unclear as protesters continued to demand accountability from the ruling class.
President Ram Chandra Poudel, in a televised address, appealed to the demonstrators to return to dialogue. “I urge our youth to engage in discussions to find a peaceful resolution and stop further escalation,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of worry and hope. But his words did little to calm the situation.
Fear and resilience on the streetsFor ordinary citizens, the past few days have been filled with fear, confusion, and uncertainty. Kathmandu’s streets have been littered with burnt debris, overturned vehicles, and broken glass. Smoke from fires hangs in the air, mixing with the chants of protesters demanding change.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there is also resilience. Locals have been seen helping each other, offering water and shelter to strangers, and shielding young demonstrators from police batons. Volunteers have cleared roads to allow ambulances through, and community kitchens have sprung up in some neighborhoods to feed those affected.
The road aheadThe crisis has raised troubling questions about the stability of Nepal’s political system and its ability to handle dissent. The images of ministers dangling from helicopter ropes may have captured the world’s attention, but for many Nepalis, those visuals symbolize something far deeper: a government that has lost touch with its people and leaders literally running away from accountability.
The “Gen Z” protesters, largely students and young professionals, say they will not back down until systemic changes are made. Their demands go beyond the resignation of a prime minister—they are calling for an overhaul of corrupt practices, genuine job opportunities, and a government that listens rather than suppresses.
As Nepal stands at this crossroads, the international community has expressed concern but also hope that dialogue can bring peace. For now, though, the streets of Kathmandu remain tense. The smell of smoke lingers, the Parliament lies scarred, and helicopters circle above—a haunting reminder of how fragile democracy can be when trust between leaders and the people shatters.