New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 9) night called the violence in Nepal “heart-rending” and appealed for peace, as a day of unrest saw government buildings torched, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli step down and the Nepali Army move in to restore order.

The turmoil followed the deaths of 19 protesters in police firing on Monday. Although the ban on a number of social media platforms that sparked the protests was rolled back on Tuesday, anger still spilled over onto the streets as protesters torched offices and targeted the homes of top politicians.

Oli’s resignation did little to calm the streets, prompting the army to declare it would be deployed across the country.

Late on Tuesday night, Modi in a post on X said he was “anguished that many young people have lost their lives” and urged for a return to peace.

“The stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace,” he wrote, adding that the Cabinet Committee on Security had reviewed the developments in the country.

His words echoed India’s first response early Tuesday morning after the death toll became clear, with a reference to the “loss of many young lives”.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi was “closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday”. Stating that it was “deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives”, India conveyed condolences to the families of those killed, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

“As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the press release said.

By highlighting the loss of “young lives”, India pointed to the sentiments driving the protests, which have been led by a younger generation disillusioned with all of Nepal's major political parties.

The appeal directed at the people, rather than the political establishment, reflected New Delhi's uncertainty over how events in Nepal will unfold.

There has also been surprise at the sweeping scale of the arson and violence, which has spared no branch of government.

With parliament set ablaze, the prospect of forming a new government from the existing legislature appears remote. Fresh elections seem likely, though it remains unclear under what kind of administration they would be conducted.

Oli was not seen as close to India and rose on a nationalist platform. His popularity peaked in the years after he accused New Delhi of imposing a border blockade that led to shortages of essential commodities.

Yet he later maintained a working relationship with India, which remained wary of his outreach to China. New Delhi was viewed as having stronger ties with the Nepali Congress, Oli’s coalition partner, and therefore did not regard his government as openly hostile.

However, now with newer parties supported by younger voters likely to step into the vacuum, India may have to recalibrate its engagement with Kathmandu’s emerging power players.

The protests erupted on Monday days after Oli’s government blocked access to unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, following a Supreme Court order.

But the unrest also reflected deeper discontent among young people over corruption, unemployment and political dysfunction.

On Tuesday protesters also torched the country's Supreme Court and presidential office as well as the homes of Oli, President Ramchandra Paudel and former prime ministers Sher Kumar Deuba and Pushpa Kumar Dahal.

The Nepal army evacuated ministers from their residences using helicopters.

Media houses too were targeted. Videos on social media showed a commercial building in Kathmandu housing several offices, including the country’s largest media house Kantipur Publications – which is the publisher of Kantipur and the Kathmandu Post – was set on fire. Subsequently, the websites of both dailies became unavailable.

The attacks on media networks signalled a shift from Monday's ‘Gen Z’-led protests. Kantipur was targeted in particular as its owner had clashed with the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Rabi Lamichhane and accused him of corruption.

This article was updated early on September 10 with Modi's remarks and more background information.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.