Ravilaxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Nepali prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, has called on the government to take strict legal action against those responsible for an arson attack on their residence during a protest held in the name of the “Gen-Z movement,” an incident that left her seriously injured.
Chitrakar, who has been undergoing long-term medical treatment following the attack, said her health is gradually improving but described the incident as deeply traumatic. She accused those involved of exploiting the image of youth activism to carry out violent acts that threaten social stability.
Speaking to journalists at Tribhuvan International Airport, Chitrakar urged the state to immediately identify and punish the perpetrators, warning that impunity would only encourage further violence.
“I had only read about Hitler’s gas chambers in history books,” she said. “But I experienced something similar myself, and this is the condition I am in today. Those who hid behind the innocence of Gen-Z youths to destroy the country must be identified and punished without delay.”
Former prime minister Khanal also expressed concern, stating that the treatment process is still ongoing and that the destruction of their home has made recovery increasingly difficult.
“There is still much left to be done as part of the treatment process,” Khanal said. “But when everything you own has been burned to ashes, it becomes extremely difficult to continue treatment. That question still remains unresolved for us.”
The attack occurred in September during a Gen-Z-led protest, when the Khanal couple’s residence in the Dallu area of Kathmandu was set on fire. The house was completely destroyed, and Chitrakar sustained severe burn injuries.
She was later taken to India for advanced medical treatment, where doctors reported gradual improvement in her condition.
Chitrakar’s renewed demand for accountability has once again brought national attention to concerns over violence linked to protest movements, reigniting political and social debate in Nepal over public safety, responsibility, and the limits of protest in a democratic society.
