Gen Z protests turn violent: 19 killed, 400 injured across Nepal

During Monday’s Gen Z protests against corruption and the social media ban, police crackdowns turned violent. At least 19 protesters were killed and more than 400 were injured.

On Tuesday, demonstrations continued across the country in anger at the government’s actions. Protesters clashed with police, set fire to government buildings, party offices, and leaders’ homes. In Kathmandu, major state institutions like Singha Durbar, the parliament building, and the Supreme Court were stormed and set on fire. Smoke has filled the city as unrest spreads.

Some protesters seized weapons from security forces, while others tried to protect cultural sites such as the Department of Archaeology, saying “This is our history.”

Violence was reported nationwide. In Kalimati, police gunfire killed two people. In Pokhara, protesters torched the metropolitan office, private homes, and cars, pushing the city out of police control. In other provinces, provincial assemblies, minister residences, and police posts were burned down.

The protests have shaken the political system. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after pressure mounted, and several ministers also quit. Opposition leaders, student groups, and even members of ruling parties withdrew support. The army has been deployed, and top leaders have been moved to safe locations.

Internationally, Nepali communities abroad, including in the US, organized gatherings to honor those killed. At home, public figures like Balen Shah, Paras Khadka, and Rajesh Hamal urged restraint, warning against destroying sensitive institutions like data centers.

The Gen Z movement, sparked by anger at corruption and restrictions on social media, has now grown into a nationwide uprising calling for political change.