Kathmandu: At least 18 people have died and more than 200 others have been injured in youth-led “Gen Z” demonstrations against corruption and government restrictions, as authorities in multiple cities imposed curfew and prohibitory orders to contain escalating violence.
According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the deceased were among protesters injured during clashes in the Kathmandu Valley. Six demonstrators died while receiving treatment at the Trauma Centre, three at the Civil Service Hospital, three at Everest Hospital, one at Kathmandu Medical College, and one at TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj. Dozens more remain in critical condition, with the government announcing free treatment for all injured.
In Sunsari district, the administration enforced a curfew in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City after protests that began around 11:00 am turned violent. Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra said the order was issued under Clause 6(A) of the Local Administration Act, 2028, and applies to areas stretching from the Nepal Army barracks to Paruhang Chowk in the north and Kalanki Mode to Janatabasti in the west. Gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, and protests have been banned until further notice.
Similarly, in Rupandehi district, prohibitory orders were imposed in Bhairahawa and Butwal from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Chief District Officer Tok Raj Pandey said the measures cover areas up to the Rohini River Bridge in the east, Bethari Bridge in the west, Buddha Chowk in the north, and Meudihwa in the south in Bhairahawa, while restrictions in Butwal extend along the Bhairahawa-Butwal road and surrounding areas. All movement, protests, and assemblies have been prohibited.
The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed it is collecting details of casualties and damages nationwide.
The Gen Z protests, which began as spontaneous youth rallies against corruption and the government’s recent social media ban, have rapidly spread across cities, drawing thousands of demonstrators and prompting heavy police deployment.