KATHMANDU, Sept 9: "Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come." – Victor Hugo
On Monday, this idea ignited the streets of Kathmandu as Gen Z rose to demand justice, equality, and an end to systemic corruption. What began as a peaceful protest at Maitighar Mandala at 9 AM., with school and college students holding placards against misgovernance, quickly escalated into tragedy. Marching toward New Baneshwar, the young demonstrators broke through restricted areas, only to face the police wrath with tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and indiscriminate firing by police. By the end of the day, 20 lives were lost and more than 350 injured in one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent history of Nepal. The protest, initially sparked by the government’s social media ban and fueled by the “Nepo Kids” campaign, had sought to amplify the voices of a generation frustrated with misgovernance and corruption and a political system that many feel no longer serves its citizens.
Among the demonstrators was 21-year-old Anisha Magar, a BBA student from Ilam, who had rushed to the protest straight after finishing her college classes. She described her decision to march as an outpouring of anger against a system riddled with impunity and corruption. “Our main demands include anti-corruption measures, probes into the assets of corrupt officials and accountability from political leaders,” she said, adding that the social media ban came just as the “Nepo Baby” awareness campaign had begun to resonate widely online.
The same sentiment was echoed by 24-year-old Abigail from Arghakhanchi, who emphasized that the protest was less about party politics and more about rage against a system that had long dismissed the frustrations of the youths.
However, as some participants attempted to enter the restricted federal parliament area, police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and forceful attempts to push them back. Eyewitnesses described protesters climbing onto police vehicles and resisting dispersal, which further escalated tensions. What had begun as a demonstration for freedom of expression and fair opportunity quickly transformed into a chaotic confrontation, culminating in police brutality that left many wounded and, tragically, dozens dead.
The Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that 20 protesters lost their lives during the crackdown, while 347 others are undergoing treatment at hospitals across the country. Kathmandu’s National Trauma Center reported 8 deaths, Civil Hospital and Everest Hospital recorded 3 each, KMC Hospital 2, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital 1 and BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan 2. Many of the injured remain in critical condition, with emergency wards overwhelmed as doctors and nurses work tirelessly to treat victims of the brutal clashes.
Eyewitness accounts further reveal the extent of the violence. At the height of the clashes in New Baneshwar, police bullets struck not only protesters on the streets but also bystanders. One individual inside Himalayan Java cafe was hit when security forces opened fire, according to an eyewitness, and was rushed to Civil Hospital for treatment. The violence also penetrated medical grounds: Dr Toshima Karki, former State Minister for Health, shared a video alleging that police entered hospital premises, came up to the doors of emergency rooms and fired at people undergoing treatment. Such incidents have drawn sharp condemnation from rights groups, who argue that the state crossed a red line by targeting safe spaces meant to protect life.
Nationwide protests prompt curfews
The Gen Z demonstrations quickly spread beyond Kathmandu, reaching major cities across the country. Authorities have imposed curfews in several districts in response to escalating unrest. In Rupandehi, a curfew was enforced from 4 pm to 10 pm, while Itahari and Pokhara saw indefinite restrictions following clashes and vandalism.
Local residents have been directed to avoid public gatherings, rallies and movement in the affected areas, as authorities sought to contain the movement that had grown into a nationwide call for accountability and justice.
Home Minister resigns amid calls for resignations and early elections
The deadly crackdown sparked immediate political backlash, with major parties demanding accountability. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) called for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and demanded a fresh popular mandate, citing the government’s failure to address corruption, suppression of free expression, and excessive use of force against protesters.
RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti condemned the killings as “brutal repression” and “tyrannical,” urging the formation of a high-level judicial investigation commission to hold all responsible, including the Home Minister accountable.
Adding to the pressure, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, handing his resignation to Prime Minister Oli during the cabinet meeting on Monday evening. Citing the need to take moral responsibility for the incident, Lekhak said he chose to step down. Earlier, he had informed his party during a meeting that he would not remain in office on moral grounds.