India, Sept. 15 -- For the 30 million people in Nepal, 73-year-old Sushila Karki represents a beacon of hope - a leader many believe could guide the Himalayan nation out of its deepest political crisis in decades, one that toppled a regime after just 27 hours of intense youth-led protests last week.

But, in Dhapasi, a quiet hamlet about 8km from the heart of Kathmandu, she's simply known as Aama (mother in Nepali). Until just days ago, neighbours would often spot her on her verandah, calmly chopping vegetables, reading in the afternoon sun or working on her laptop.

Over the past week, Dhapasi, which houses the residence of the country's 42nd Prime Minister, has become one of the most visited spots in Kathmandu and is now heavily guarded...