Nepal Gen Z Protest News Highlights: PM Modi issues appeal for peace – ‘Heart-wrenching to see…’

Riot police use water cannon on protesters during clashes outside parliament building in Kathmandu (AP Photo)

According to state TV reports, the death toll has now risen to 14. The police in Kathmandu had opened fire on protesters demonstrating against a government ban on social media earlier in the day — leaving over a dozen dead and countless others injured. Local media reports indicate that the wounded are now being treated at half a dozen hospitals across Kathmandu.

Government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung has reportedly said that discussions are underway to reconsider the social media ban. According to a BBC Nepali report, the matter will be discussed during a cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday.

“The government’s decisions are not more important than the lives of the people. The lives of our people are the most important thing. If the decisions made by the government need to be reconsidered in terms of policy, there is no point in us remaining steadfast again,” Gurung told the publication.

He is also the Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew in parts of Baneshwar after protesters broke into a restricted area. The local administration extended the curfew areas, which include the President’s residence, Shital Niwas area, Maharajgunj, the vice-president’s residence in Lainchaur, all sides of Singha Durbar, the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding areas.

Authorities have said the extension is intended to prevent further unrest and ensure security in sensitive government locations.

The curfew order was issued by Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act. It will remain in effect from 12:30 pm to 10 pm. Movement, gatherings, demonstrations, or encirclements within these zones are strictly prohibited.

According to a BBC Nepali update, curfew has now been imposed in the city of Pokhara. The local administration of Kaski has reportedly issued the order for some places in Pokhara — some 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu.

A government spokesperson confirmed that the Nepal Army has also been deployed in parts of the capital city for law enforcement.

Nepali newspaper República reported that an ambulance was torched in the New Baneshwor area as protests turned violent on Monday.

“Our movement had around 20 to 25 groups, and the plan was to march only up to Everest Hotel. Those who went beyond that point are not recognized by us. We have already asked students present there to return,” organizer Ujen Raj Bhandari told Nepali newspaper República.

“Please exit safely as soon as possible. Several vested groups are inciting the crowd. Our day has already been a success. Please go home safely today,” Gen Z Nepal added in its statement.

The protests come in the wake of the Nepal government’s decision to ban 26 unregistered social media platforms — including widely used apps such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat. The move has sparked public outrage, especially among young people, who accuse the government of stifling free expression while failing to address deep-seated corruption.

The agitation on Monday began as a peaceful march before escalating as protesters broke through barricades and entered restricted zones near Parliament. Police responded with water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets after demonstrators threw tree branches and water bottles and shouted anti-government slogans, with some protesters reportedly managing to enter the Parliament compound, intensifying the situation.

“A while ago, the police fired bullets which did not hit me but hit a friend of mine standing behind me. He was shot in the hand. The firing is still going on and we can hear gunfire from inside the parliament as well. My friend, who was standing on the road, was shot in the head. The police are firing indiscriminately, aiming above the knees. Are they allowed to do this?” a protester told ANI.

“We were planning to hold a peaceful protest, but as we advanced further, we could see the violence by the police. The police are firing on the people, which is against the essence of peaceful protest. Those who are sitting in power cannot impose their power on us. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which is against the freedom of speech and the right to expression. The Police have been firing at protestors…” a protestor told ANI.

“Nine people have lost their lives as protests turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters,” ANI quoted Nepal police as saying.

Leading Nepali artists, actors, and entertainers voiced their support, further amplifying the movement.

Nepalese actor Hari Bansha Acharya posted on Facebook, saying, “Today’s youth do more than just think–they ask questions. Why did this road collapse? Who is accountable? This is not a voice against the system but against those who misuse it.” He urged political leaders to take responsibility and prepare the next generation for leadership.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office had first imposed a curfew in the Baneshwar area before expanding it to include neighbouring areas. According to The Kathmandu Post, it now covers several high-security zones, including the President’s residence (Shital Niwas), the Vice-President’s residence in Lainchaur, Maharajgunj, all sides of Singha Durbar, the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and adjacent areas. The Nepali Army was also deployed to New Baneshwor as tensions escalated shortly after the curfew was enforced.

Riot police clash with the protesters outside the Parliament building in Kathmandu (AP Photo)

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred during the Gen-Z book exhibition today. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the youth who lost their life due to police firing. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal or ‘Prachanda’ wrote on X.

“Lift the ban on social media imposed by Gen-Z and immediately address the demands against corruption. The government should take responsible and concrete steps to prevent the situation from deteriorating further,” he urged.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is facing massive protests over his recent decision to ban several social media platforms in the country.

A silent march organised by Gen Z protesters soon turned violent on Monday with many storming Parliament building and setting fire to the main gate. One person has died and thousands injured in police crackdown after the violence. Curfew has been imposed in several parts of Kathmandu

One person was killed and several others were injured as protest broke out in Kathmandu on Monday. Nationwide demonstrations against government corruption and a recent social media ban intensified today — with police using teargas and rubber bullets against the ‘Gen Z’ agitators.