Kathmandu, September 8, 2025: Kathmandu witnessed one of its most violent uprisings in recent years on Monday as thousands of young protesters, largely from Generation Z, clashed with security forces over government corruption and the recent ban on major social media platforms. At least 16 people lost their lives in the unrest, with dozens more injured.
What began as a peaceful rally in Baneshwar escalated when demonstrators broke through barricades near Parliament. They vandalized gates, hurled branches and bottles, and raised anti-government slogans. Some even stormed the Parliament compound, forcing police to retaliate with water cannons, teargas, rubber bullets, and warning shots. The clashes quickly turned fatal, plunging the capital into chaos.
Authorities responded by imposing a strict curfew across high-security areas, including the President’s residence at Shital Niwas, the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and the Singha Durbar government complex. The order, issued under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act, bans all movement and gatherings from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM local time.
The violence stems from the government’s move to block 26 widely used but unregistered social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat. Officials defended the ban, citing non-compliance with registration and tax laws following a Supreme Court ruling. Critics, however, accuse the government of curbing free expression instead of addressing rampant corruption.
The ban triggered widespread anger among the youth, who had mobilized online before the blackout on September 4. Cultural icons have also voiced support for the movement. Veteran actor Hari Bansha Acharya remarked, “This is not against the system but against its misuse.” Fellow actor Madan Krishna Shrestha said, “Corruption has reached alarming levels, and even Mother Nepal weeps.”
Singer-actor Prakash Saput sent financial assistance to demonstrators, urging them to remain safe and hydrated. Protests also spread outside Kathmandu, with clashes reported in Damak, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s hometown.
The death of 16 protesters underscores the scale of frustration among Nepal’s youth, who see corruption and restrictions on digital freedoms as a direct assault on their future. The uprising now stands as one of the deadliest youth-led movements in the country’s recent history.
