Massive Gen Z-led protests in Kathmandu turned violent on Monday over corruption charges and Nepal’s ban on 26 major social media platforms. Demonstrators vandalised the Parliament gate, prompting police to fire teargas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Authorities have extended curfews to high-security zones
Demonstrators weild stones and sticks as they clash with riot police personnel during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu
Massive protests led by Generation Z demonstrators erupted in Kathmandu on Monday against corruption allegations against the government and the recent ban on several major social media platforms.
The Gen Z protestors in Kathmandu are vandalising the Parliament gate. To make sure that the situation stays under control, the Kathmandu police have fired dozens of rounds. News agency ANI has also reported that many people have been injured in the protests, and more casualties are expected.
According to various media reports, the protests quickly turned violent, prompting authorities to extend a curfew across key parts of the capital, as per ANI.
How did the protest escalate?
What began as a peaceful march escalated when protesters broke through barricades and entered restricted zones near Parliament. In response to the amplifying protest by Gen Z, police responded with water cannons, tear gas, 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.
Curfew extended
News agency ANI also reported that, in response to the unrest, the Kathmandu District Administration Office extended the curfew to other parts of Nepal as well; earlier, the curfew was only imposed in the capital's Baneshwar area.
One of the major news agencies has also said that the new curfew now includes several high-security zones, such as 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, reported ANI.
The public has been strictly prohibited from movement, gatherings, protests, or encirclement activities within these zones.
Why did the protest break out?
As per the news reports, the protests by Gen Z 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. However, 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.
While the protest in Nepal escalated hugely, one of the journalists, Shyam Shrestha, was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the demonstrations in Baneshwar. He is currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital.
On the other hand, another person was injured in Damak, the hometown of Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, after protests turned violent.
According to a news report, citing eyewitnesses, police opened fire when demonstrators attempted to storm the Damak Municipality office.
As the protests gained momentum, leading Nepali artists, actors, and entertainers voiced their support, further amplifying the movement.
In view of the escalating protest, the Nepalese actor Hari Bansha Acharya posted on a social media platform, stating, "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," as cited by the news agency. The Nepalese actor has also urged political leaders to take responsibility and prepare the next generation for leadership.
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