Nepal Gen Z Protest Highlights: Gen-Z proposes ex-chief justice Sushila Karki as interim PM

Protesters have set fire to the Nepali Congress party’s central office in Lalitpur’s Sanepa neighbourhood on Tuesday, The Kathmandu Post reported.

They also pelted stones at the Bhaisepati residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel.

The house of former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, who resigned from the post on Monday, was attacked as well, the report stated.

The Bhaisepati-based residence of Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel was also stoned, according to the report.

Also, protesters hurled stones at the Khumaltar residence of the CPN (Maoist Centre) chair and the main opposition leader, Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

- The Kathmandu Post

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called an all-party meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday, after the situation turned tense in the capital city of Kathmandu yet again, with protesters setting fire to the Nepali Congress party’s central office in Lalitpur’s Sanepa neighbourhood, The Kathmandu Post reported.

The protesters also set a traffic post outside the party’s office in Balkhu area on fire, as per a PTI report.

Situation is tense once again in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu on Tuesday, even as the authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the city.

Protesters were trying to enter the Nepali Congress Party office in Balkhu area of the city, news agency PTI reported.

Protesters also set a traffic post outside the party office on fire. (PTI)

Protesters in Nepal's Kathmandu have called for people to participate in condolence meetings on Tuesday in memory of those killed in Monday's protests, news agency Reuters reported.

New Delhi on Tuesday issued a statement advising Indian nationals residing in Nepal to “exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities.”

"We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured," the statement read.

India also hoped for peaceful settlement of dispute between the concerned parties. "As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue," the release stated.

"We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities," it stated.

The statement comes as an indefinite curfew is in place in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, news agency PTI reported. The Kathmandu District Administration Office issued the curfew orders effective from 8:30 am until further notice.

The administration of Kathmandu's adjoining Bhaktapur district Tuesday imposed an indefinite curfew from 8:30 am in several areas, including Pepsikola, Radheradhe Chowk, Sallaghari, Duwakot and Changu Narayan Temple, news agency PTI reported.

The administration also issued restrictive orders in parts of the Lalitpur metropolis, adjoining Kathmandu. (PTI)

Nepal authorities on Tuesday imposed an indefinite curfew in its capital city Kathmandu, reintroducing restrictions just hours after an earlier order was lifted, news agency PTI reported.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office issued the curfew orders effective from 8:30 am until further notice.

“No movement of people, any type of gathering, demonstration, protest, meeting and sit-in will be allowed during the curfew,” said the notice issued by the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu.

“However, emergency services, including ambulances, fire engines, vehicles carrying health workers, tourists, media personnel, and air travellers will be permitted to operate in coordination with security personnel,” the notice stated. (PTI)

Nepal’s capital witnessed its deadliest unrest in years as thousands of young protesters clashed with police outside the parliament in Kathmandu on Monday.

At least 19 people were killed and over 50 injured after security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and baton-charged demonstrators who had broken police barricades and stormed the parliament complex protesting a social media ban in the mountainous nation.

The protests, which began at Maitighar Mandala – Kathmandu’s designated protest site – soon spread to government offices and other cities including Pokhara, Biratnagar and Bharatpur. Authorities have imposed a curfew across Kathmandu and Pokhara to contain the unrest and the Army has been deployed.

Here's all you need to know about the protests in Nepal.

Seven of the 19 people who were killed, and scores of those wounded were received at the National Trauma Center, the country’s main hospital in the heart of Kathmandu, news agency AP reported.

“Many of them are in serious condition and appear to have been shot in the head and chest,” said Dr. Badri Risa.

Families waited anxiously outside for news of their relatives while people lined up to donate blood. (AP)

At least 19 people died in Nepal on Monday and dozens more were injured as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who tried to break into parliament.

WHO ARE THE PROTESTERS?

Thousands of young Nepali people, many in their 20s or even younger, got together to protest in the capital Kathmandu and other cities in the Himalayan country. Many of the protesters were students and joined the demonstrations in their school or college uniforms. The organisers called the protests "demonstrations by Gen Z".

WHAT SPARKED THE OUTRAGE?

Last week, Nepal's government blocked access to several social media platforms after the companies missed the deadline to register under new regulations, aimed at cracking down on misuse.

Nepal's government has said social media users create fake IDs and use them to spread hate speech and fake news, commit fraud and other crimes on these platforms.

A government notice directed the regulator, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, to deactivate unregistered social media but gave no details of which platforms faced action. The services will be restored once the platforms comply with its order, the government said.

Local media reported that the banned platforms include Meta's Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, Alphabet's YouTube, China's Tencent and Snapchat, Pinterest and X.

WHAT ARE THE PROTESTERS SAYING?

Many people in Nepal think corruption is rampant, and the government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has been criticised by opponents for failing to deliver on its promises to tackle graft or make progress in addressing longstanding economic issues.

Nepal's youngsters say the protest is an expression of their widespread frustration over the social media ban.

WHAT HAPPENED ON MONDAY?

At least 19 people died and dozens were injured as thousands of young people protested across major cities in Nepal.

In the capital Kathmandu, protesters barged into the parliament complex by breaking through a barricade and setting fire to an ambulance.

- Reuters

Security has been stepped up in several districts of Uttar Pradesh that share their borders with Nepal following violent youth-led protests in the Himalayan nation over the ban on social media platforms, officials said on Monday.

At least 14 people were killed and dozens injured in Kathmandu and other areas on Monday as demonstrators clashed with security forces, prompting the Nepalese government to impose curfew and deploy the army in parts of the capital.

In Balrampur, Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said security has been tightened along the border and intelligence agencies instructed to maintain strict surveillance.

"Drone monitoring is being carried out and additional forces deployed at all police stations adjoining the border," he said.

In Bahraich, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has stepped up patrolling and increased checks along not just highways but also village tracks and forest routes connecting India and Nepal.

"While only sporadic protests were reported near Nepalgunj, we have strengthened vigilance on our side. Patrolling has been intensified and monitoring devices like face-recognition systems and automatic number plate readers are being closely used," said Ganga Singh Udawat, Commandant of SSB's 42nd battalion.

- PTI

Thousands of young people, being termed ‘Gen Z protesters’, had gathered outside Parliament against the government’s ban on several social media platforms, with many in their school uniforms. Some entered the Parliament complex, after which the police baton-charged them. Large parts of Kathmandu are now under curfew.

This was the first time the youth of Nepal, the ‘GenZ’, mobilised on the streets like this. Organisers asked political parties and their youth wings to stay away. Read More

Nepal's government appears to be reconsidering its decision to block major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp after violent protests led by Gen Z youths resulted in 19 deaths and over 347 injuries, according to reports from PTI.

The protests, sparked by the government's ban on 26 unregistered social media apps citing concerns over fake news and cybercrime, saw widespread demonstrations across Kathmandu and other cities .

Nepal's cabinet has formed an investigation committee to look into the violent protests that erupted on Monday, resulting in 19 deaths and over 347 injuries, according to ANI.

The committee has been given 15 days to prepare and submit a report examining how the situation escalated and the factors behind it.

Authorities have issued an alert along the India-Nepal border due to ongoing protests in Nepal, with India's border guarding force, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), intensifying vigilance to prevent any spillover of unrest into Indian territory, according to ANI .

"An alert has been issued on the India-Nepal border, considering a protest in Nepal. Sashastra Seema Bal is keeping a close watch on the development," officials told ANI.

The officials emphasised that the current alert is "preventive in nature", and the situation remains under control.

According to officials, adequate deployment is in place at the border, and strict checks have been implemented at several border outposts. Coordination with the local administration has also been intensified to ensure the smooth movement of people while maintaining security.

Thousands of young people, being termed ‘Gen Z protesters’, had gathered outside Parliament against the government’s ban on several social media platforms, with many in their school uniforms. Some entered the Parliament complex, after which the police baton-charged them. Large parts of Kathmandu are now under curfew.

This was the first time the youth of Nepal, the ‘GenZ’, mobilised on the streets like this. Organisers asked political parties and their youth wings to stay away. Read More

Hospitals in Kathmandu treating injured protesters from Monday's demonstrations are facing an alarming rise in blood demand, according to The Kathmandu Post.

The Central Blood Transfusion Service, or blood bank, supplied over 200 pints of blood to National Trauma Centre and Bir Hospital by Monday evening, with continuous requests pouring in from healthcare facilities treating the injured.

At least 19 people have been killed and dozens of others have been injured in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, on Monday as thousands of protesters, mostly youngsters, also known as Gen Z, took the streets against a social media shutdown and government corruption.

Last week, Nepal blocked 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, after they failed to comply with a government order mandating them to have a local contact, a grievance handler, and a person responsible for self-regulation and more. Read More

Nepal’s capital witnessed its deadliest unrest in years as thousands of young protesters clashed with police outside the parliament in Kathmandu on Monday.

At least 19 people were killed and over 50 injured after security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and baton-charged demonstrators who had broken police barricades and stormed the parliament complex protesting a social media ban in the mountainous nation. Read More

The Rupandehi and Sunsari district administrations have enforced curfews in Butwal, Bhairahawa, and Itahari following intensified demonstrations by Nepal's 'Gen Z' protesters.

According to The Kathmandu Post, the curfew in Butwal and Bhairahawa is effective from 4 pm to 10 pm, banning gatherings, rallies, and protests within designated zones. In Butwal, restrictions cover areas from Dhago Karkhana Bridge to Belbas Chowk, while in Bhairahawa, it spans from Rohinikhola Bridge to Bethari Bridge.

However, a curfew was imposed in Itahari's main square from 3:30 pm until further notice after protests escalated, with Chief District Officers Tokraj Pandey and Dharmendra Mishra announcing these measures to control unrest.

Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has tendered his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, citing moral grounds following the deaths of 19 people and over 400 injuries during violent "Gen Z" protests against the government's social media ban and corruption, according to The Kathmandu Post. Lekhak submitted his resignation during a Cabinet meeting at Oli's Baluwatar residence on Monday evening.

The protests, led by young Nepalis demanding accountability and governance reforms, saw police clashes with demonstrators in Kathmandu and other cities like Itahari, sparking political pressure and calls for Lekhak's resignation from Congress leaders like Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is demanding Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's immediate resignation and calling for early elections, citing the government's lost legitimacy following a brutal crackdown on "Gen Z" protests.

According to RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, "The relevance of the current government has completely ended. We demand the prime minister's immediate resignation.

A high-level judicial probe commission should be formed to investigate the incident and take stern action against the home minister and all others responsible". Burlakoti condemned the government's handling of the protests, which resulted in 19 deaths and hundreds injured in Kathmandu and Itahari, with protesters facing police fire.

What are the protesters saying?

Many people in Nepal think corruption is rampant, and the government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has been criticised by opponents for failing to deliver on its promises to tackle graft or make progress in addressing longstanding economic issues.

Nepal's youngsters say the protest is an expression of their widespread frustration over the social media ban.

What happened on Monday?

At least 19 people died and dozens were injured as thousands of young people protested across major cities in Nepal. In the capital Kathmandu, protesters barged into the parliament complex by breaking through a barricade and setting fire to an ambulance.

Police had been given orders to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to control the angry crowd. The army was deployed and a curfew was imposed in the city.

At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, and other cities on Monday as police clashed with young protesters demonstrating against the government's ban on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and widespread corruption, according to Reuters.

The protests, dubbed "Gen Z demonstrations," saw youths, many in school uniforms, break through barricades, set an ambulance on fire, and hurl objects at riot police guarding parliament. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting amid the unrest, with curfews imposed in parts of Kathmandu.

The India-Nepal border is on high alert as the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), India's border guarding force, intensifies vigilance following deadly protests in Nepal.

According to ANI, authorities have issued an alert along the 1,751 km open border, which spans across Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim, in response to thousands of youths breaking into Nepal's parliament protesting a social media ban and alleged government corruption.

"An alert has been issued on the India-Nepal border, considering a protest in Nepal. Sashastra Seema Bal is keeping a close watch on the development," officials told ANI, emphasizing the alert is "preventive in nature" with the situation under control.

At least 14 people were killed and more than 50 injured in Nepal’s capital on Monday as security forces clashed with demonstrators denouncing a government crackdown on social media and corruption, state television reported. The protests, dubbed a “Gen Z movement” by organisers, erupted after authorities blocked Facebook and other platforms, sparking anger among young people who make up the bulk of the country’s internet users.

The clashes saw police fire tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets as protesters attempted to storm parliament, with violence spreading to other cities including Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Pokhara, Reuters reported.

Seven people have died at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu and 58 wounded are admitted to the hospital, AP reported. “Many of them are in serious condition and appear to have been shot in the head and chest,” Dr Badri Risal said. Two people died at the Civil Hospital and two more at the KMC hospital, according to doctors. The injured were being treated at half a dozen hospitals in the capital.

The blanket blackout has disrupted businesses and Nepal’s tourism industry, which rely heavily on social media for outreach and bookings. It has also affected millions of Nepali families, many of whom use messaging apps to stay connected with relatives working abroad. The decision has sparked criticism from press freedom groups, who argue the ban amounts to censorship.

Organisers of the protests are calling them "demonstrations by Gen Z". They say the protests reflect young people's widespread frustration with the government and anger over its policies. Crowds chanted “stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media" waving red and blue national flags.

"The police have been firing indiscriminately," one protester told news agency ANI, Reuters reported. "(They) fired bullets which missed me but hit a friend who was standing behind me. He was hit in the hand."

"This is the protest by the new generation in Nepal," another protester told ANI.

Many protestors were seen in their school and college uniforms as they swarmed New Baneshwor, which houses the Parliament, the government secretariat, and the presidential house.

For Nepal’s young, who make up the largest demographic in the country and are among the heaviest users of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, the government’s decision to block over two dozen platforms cut directly into their daily lives. The demonstrations on Monday were called the protest of Gen Z, a term used to refer to people born between 1995 and 2010. With the age group of 16-25 years accounting for 20.8 per cent of total population and 90 per cent of its 30 million people using the internet, the country has become a fertile ground for a digitally native generation to mobilise online dissent into mass street protests.