'Running away': Protesters look on as Nepal ministers, kin hold on to chopper rope to escape; watch

NEW DELHI: Dramatic scenes unfolded in Nepal as protesters did not spare 'corrupt' ministers and their families, who were evacuated via military helicopters' rescue slings.

Visuals of Nepalese hanging onto ropes and being rescued by choppers went viral on social media, with protesters looking on from ground.



The suspension of social media platforms triggered violent demonstrations in Kathmandu, resulting in Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation and departure from the country. The military has been deployed to maintain order, with soldiers patrolling the capital's streets and implementing stay-at-home directives.

Social media footage showed government officials and their relatives being airlifted to safety using army helicopter rescue slings amidst escalating public outrage. The footage, shared on X, captured individuals suspended from helicopter rescue slings whilst departing the crisis-stricken nation.


On Tuesday, a massive demonstration, primarily comprising student protesters, giving it the term Gen Z protests, resulted in widespread vandalism of government officials' residences and the Parliament building.

The protesters targeted and burned communication minister Prithvi Subba Gurung's house, attacked deputy prime Minister Bishnu Paudel's residence, Nepal Rastra Bank governor Biswo Paudel's property, and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak's dwelling.

Various recordings documented the finance minister being pursued and assaulted by protesters, whilst another showed crowds attacking foreign affairs minister Arzu Rana Deuba and her spouse, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, at their Kathmandu residence.

Military helicopters evacuated several ministers and their families during these incidents. Footage showed Deuba, bloodied and distressed in a field, awaiting rescue.


Prisoners initiated fires in cells and guard facilities, destroying the main entrance before escaping. Military personnel prevented the breakout, relocating inmates to alternative facilities. The unrest began following the government's restriction of social media platforms, citing non-compliance with registration requirements. The demonstrations evolved to reflect broader societal frustrations, particularly amongst youth opposing perceived nepotism in political families.

With youth unemployment at approximately 20 percent in the previous year, according to World Bank data, governmental estimates indicate over 2,000 young people daily depart Nepal seeking employment in Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian countries.