Public anger is mounting against Nepal Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah as protests over the eviction of landless squatters and growing frustration among young people converge into a major political challenge for his newly formed government. The unrest intensified after the death of 25-year-old ride-sharing worker Ganesh Nepali, who allegedly set himself on fire outside Kathmandu’s Department of Passports following a dispute with metropolitan police over a motorcycle fine.
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The incident has revived youth-led anger months after Gen Z protests forced former prime minister KP Sharma Oli to resign in September last year. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Singhdurbar Secretariat on Sunday, accusing the government of failing to address concerns of economically vulnerable citizens.
What happened to Ganesh Nepali?
Ganesh allegedly poured petrol from his motorcycle and set himself ablaze after a confrontation with police officials who had locked his vehicle near the passport office. Police intervened and attempted to extinguish the flames, but he suffered severe burns.
He was taken to the burn department of Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, where he later died, according to hospital sources. Reports said he had sustained around 60 per cent burns.
