Unrest has gripped Kathmandu, with protests resulting in at least 14 fatalities. The demonstrations, spearheaded by Generation Z, began on Monday in response to government corruption and a recent ban on numerous social media platforms. Protesters vandalized the parliament gate, and gunfire was reported, leading to injuries and concerns about further casualties.
In response to the escalating violence, authorities imposed a curfew across key areas of the capital from 12:30 pm to 10 pm. The curfew was extended by the Kathmandu district administration office (DAO) to include the residences of the president, prime minister, and vice-president, as well as the Singha Durbar complex. Specific areas affected include the President’s residence (Shital Niwas), Maharajgunj, the vice-president’s residence in Lainchaur, the Singha Durbar area, the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding areas.
The initial peaceful protest turned violent as demonstrators broke through barriers and entered restricted zones near the Parliament. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets after protesters threw objects and chanted anti-government slogans. Some protesters managed to enter the Parliament compound, intensifying the situation. The Nepal Army was also deployed to control the unrest.
The protests were ignited by the Nepali government’s ban on 26 unregistered social media platforms, which came into effect on September 4. This ban included popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and Snapchat. This action sparked public outrage, particularly among young people, who have accused the government of suppressing free expression and failing to address pervasive corruption. They view the ban as a violation of their freedom of speech.
A protester described their experience, stating, “We were planning a peaceful protest, but we witnessed police violence as we advanced. The police are firing on the people, which is against the principles of peaceful protest. Those in power cannot impose their power on us. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which is a violation of freedom of speech and expression. The police have been firing at protesters.”
Another protester highlighted the generational aspect of the protests, saying, “This is a protest by the new generation in Nepal. A new slavery system has been introduced. The potential of Nepali youth is being undermined, and high-ranking officials are involved in power abuse. Human rights are being violated by major political parties including CPN-UML and Nepali Congress, and the Maoist Center.”
According to Nepal police, nine people lost their lives due to the violent turn of events.
Protests were also reported in Pokhara, Butwal, Chitwan, Nepalgunj, and Biratnagar.