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

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur, was set on fire Tuesday by the protesters, The Kathmandu Post reported.

According to officials, demonstrators marched to Oli’s residence early in the morning and attempted to breach security despite police intervention. When officers tried to block them, the protesters refused to retreat and eventually torched the houses inside the compound, as per the report.

There are two houses at Oli’s Balkot residence, both of which were set ablaze during the incident.

- The Kathmandu Post

All flights at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu were cancelled on Tuesday due to unprecedented, serious circumstances and security concerns, The Kathmandu Post reported.

The airport authority apologised for the inconvenience.

International flights have been halted since 12:45 pm following a billow of smoke near Koteshwar, said Hansa Raj Pandey, general manager at TIA. “The airport is not closed. We won’t close it either,” he added, The Kathmandu Post quoted.

Crew members have been unable to reach the airport due to problems in movements, preventing flights from taking off. Domestic airlines, including Buddha Air, have suspended all flights citing security reasons, as per the report.

Protesters on Tuesday set fire to the house of Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel, news agency AP reported.

They also set on fire the house of Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the largest party Nepali Congress, as per the reports.

A private school owned by Deuba's wife Arzu Deuba Rana, who is the current foreign minister, was also set on fire. (AP)

Nepal's Opposition parties Tuesday condemned the “brutal repression” of Gen Z demonstration in Kathmandu, calling for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation, Himal Press reported.

A joint meeting of the opposition parties, chaired by CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, held on Tuesday morning, concluded that the Prime Minister must resign.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Maoist Center’s Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun said the opposition parties reached the conclusion that Prime Minister Oli must take responsibility for the entire incident and resign from his post.

“The government failed to understand and refused to address the anger of the youth, and this is the result. Their demands are legitimate, and as the opposition, we are committed to engaging in dialogue to find a way forward,” Himal Press quoted Pun.

-Himal Press

The protests in Nepal's Biratnagar turned tense on Tuesday as demonstrators attempted to enter the Koshi Provincial Assembly building, Himal Press reported.

Hundreds of youths clashed with police personnel who were guarding the provincial assembly secretariat, as per the report. When protesters tried to break through barricades, police deployed tear gas to control the situation and, in some areas, carried out baton charges, officials told the reporters at Himal.

Police confirmed that a police post at Jaljala Chowk and a motorcycle were also set ablaze.

- Himal Press

The Rautahat police Tuesday opened fire on protesters in Chandranigahapur on Tuesday during a demonstration against Monday’s crackdown on them, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Clashes broke out between police and demonstrators, who also set a police vehicle on fire. Dozens of warning shots were fired by authorities to control the situation, the report stated.

The situation in Chandranigahapur remains tense, according to the report.

Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing the government's violent response to the protests, which led to the deaths of at least 19 people, and left several injured, The Kathmandu Post reported.

In his resignation statement, Yadav said he could not continue in office following the tragic loss of life and the government’s use of force against the country’s youth.

“Supporting the movement of Gen Z youths and opposing the repression carried out by the government and administration, I hereby resign from the post of Minister for Water Supply,” Yadav said.

“Dear young brothers and sisters, you are my first companions and the source of my energy. I appeal to everyone to remain calm and to guide and support the youth in the right direction.”

- The Kathmandu Post

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa Tuesday called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to take moral responsibility for the deaths of 19 protesters during the demonstrations and to resign from his post, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Thapa said, “Innocent youths have been killed unnecessarily. The prime minister must take responsibility for this suppression and step down immediately.”

He added that the Nepali Congress cannot remain a witness or partner in this situation even for a single day and said he will push for this decision in the party meeting, as per the report.

-The Kathmandu Post

Nepal Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing the government’s authoritarian response during Monday’s protests, The Kathmandu Post reported.

In his resignation letter, Adhikari said that instead of recognising citizens’ natural right to question democracy and stage peaceful protests, the state responded with widespread suppression, killings, and use of force, moving the country towards authoritarianism rather than democracy.

He added that he could not remain in power without answers on how the government resorted to violent behaviour against a generation with which it should cooperate to build the nation, as per the report.

His resignation comes a day after Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli following the protests.

-The Kathmandu Post

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Tuesday appealed to the protesters, mainly constituting Gen Zs, to come forward and "engage in dialogue," Himal Press reported.

Issuing an appeal, Oli urged them to engage in discussions to find a solution to the issue.

Expressing sorrow over the incidents that occurred in the country on Monday, Oli said violence in any form is not in the interest of the nation, as per the Himal Press report.

“We must adopt the path of peaceful dialogue to find solutions. I am assessing the current situation and engaging with the concerned parties to reach meaningful conclusions,” Oli said. “I earnestly request everyone to remain calm during this difficult time," Oil said.

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.