News Update 17.10 (IST)
At least 14 people have died after police opened fire on demonstrators in Kathmandu on Monday, as protests led by Gen Z youths turned violent. The incident unfolded in New Baneshwar, the heart of the capital&rsquo;s protest site, by late afternoon.
Seven of the injured succumbed to gunshot wounds at the National Trauma Centre, confirmed Dr Dipendra Pandey, who added that 10 others remain in critical condition with head and chest injuries. More than 20 are still under treatment.
Three more protesters were declared dead at Everest Hospital, Baneshwar, where over 50 others are being treated, four of them in critical condition, according to hospital official Anil Adhikari.
Civil Hospital&rsquo;s executive director, Mohan Chandra Regmi, confirmed two deaths, while one fatality each was reported at KMC and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be disclosed. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as dozens remain in intensive care.
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NEWS Published : 14.34 (IST)
Nepal has been plunged into turmoil as thousands of young people took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities on Monday, protesting against the government&rsquo;s sweeping ban on social media platforms.
The demonstrations, largely led by teenagers and university students, erupted after authorities blocked access to popular sites including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and X, citing failure to register with regulators. Protesters argue that the decision is a direct assault on free speech and democratic rights.
From early morning, crowds gathered at Maitighar and marched towards Parliament, waving flags, chanting slogans and carrying placards demanding accountability and transparency. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated when protesters breached police barricades. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and baton charges, leaving scores injured.
Officials have since imposed curfews across key government areas, including the Parliament complex, secretariat and Presidential Palace, in a bid to contain the unrest. Streets in the capital remained tense throughout the day, with groups of students still attempting to assemble despite heavy police deployment.
For many in Nepal&rsquo;s Gen Z, the ban symbolises not only the loss of digital freedoms but also a wider frustration with corruption and the government&rsquo;s handling of public concerns. Young protesters, some in school uniforms, said the movement is about reclaiming their right to be heard and demanding that future generations are not silenced.
While TikTok and a handful of messaging apps remain accessible, the blackout of other major platforms has disrupted businesses, media communication and the daily lives of families reliant on these tools. The scale of youth participation suggests that the movement is unlikely to subside quickly, marking a new and defiant chapter in Nepal&rsquo;s political landscape.
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Youngsters clash with police in Kathmandu

Gen Z protest over Nepal’s social media ban turns violent and deadly

Nepal protest toll rises to 14 in police firing

Gen Z protest over Nepal’s social media ban turns violent and deadly

September 8, 2025 | 20:04 IST