Nepal Protest Updates: Army to take charge of security following protests; three police officers killed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9 said a Cabinet Committee on Security discussed the situation in Nepal and appealed everyone for peace.

"On my return from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab today, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security discussed the developments in Nepal. The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace," he said in a post on X.

Nepal reeled under a serious political crisis on Tuesday as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned in the face of massive protests for a second day with the demonstrators storming many government buildings and setting the parliament as well as homes of several high-profile leaders ablaze, a day after 19 people died in violence.

The students-led "Gen Z" protests that began against a government ban on social media expanded into a larger campaign reflecting growing public criticism of the Oli dispensation and the country's political elite over alleged corruption and apathy towards the common people.

As the protesters, defying curfews and heavy deployment of security forces, continued to resort to arson and violence even after Oli's resignation, President Ramchandra Paudel appealed for calm and national unity "I urge everyone, including the protesting citizens, to cooperate for a peaceful resolution of the country's difficult situation," Paudel said in a statement.

In the evening, the Nepalese Army called for calm and dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Though the ban on social media was lifted late last night, the intensity of protests grew on Tuesday with the focus of the agitation shifting to anger over the deaths of 19 people in police action on Monday and the larger issues of alleged corruption and luxury lifestyles of the political elite.

The Nepal Army on Tuesday said that it will take charge of security operations from 10 pm, hours after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned following 27 hours of violent protests in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.

In a statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the army said that “some groups are taking undue advantage of the difficult situation and causing severe damage to ordinary citizens and public property”.

It warned that all security mechanisms, including the Nepal Army, will be mobilised to contain the violence if such activities continue.

The Nepal Army also appealed for public cooperation, urging citizens not to engage in or support destructive acts.

Amid intense protests across the nation, Nepal could announce new government in the next few hours, taking over from KP Oli, a report by Sputnik said on September 9.

UP Police on high alert along Nepal border on CM Yogi Adityanath's directives amid unrest in neighbouring country: ADG Amitabh Yash.

On the ongoing protests in Nepal, Former Diplomat Sukh Deo Muni says, "The situation is one of anarchy at the moment. But I understand that Oli has already left the country, or he's about to leave the country for Dubai, and the whole government has collapsed. What I'm worried about is the acts like burning of the parliament, and why should anybody be doing that kind of thing? I also heard that Balen Shah is being asked to join the interim management and to hold elections. Balen Shah has an independent image and he has been raising voice against corruption and inefficiency for a long time. So though his name is linked to Shah, which is the ruling family there, but I hope that he is not a royalist to that extent and he probably would try and put things together. But it's a major challenge, it's not an easy way out. I think even for Balen, it may not be easy. The kind of crores of property has been destroyed, even the President's parental house has been burned. The Prime Minister's house has been burned..."

The death toll amid the protests in Nepal rose to 24 as three individuals succumbed to their injuries in a hospital, a report by Setopati said. The victims were injured during the protests on September 9 and were being treated at a hospital.

Protests in Nepal escalated further as demonstrators set vehicles parked at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini on fire, local news media reported.

Three police officials were allegedly killed by protesters after a police station was set on fire, a report by Khabarhub said. The report further said the police personnel were killed even after they had surrendered. According to the report, the police station, where these officials were stationed, was also set on fire.

Nepal News Live: India-Nepal border on high alert

India-Nepal border at Jogbani, Araria on high alert as protests turned violent in Nepal's Kathmandu.

Nepal is witnessing violent protests against the government's alleged corruption, with protestors targeting the residences of political leaders and ministers. Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned this afternoon amid the protests.

Indian FMCG companies, which have substantial investments and presence in Nepal, are closely watching the political development in the Himalayan country.

Leading Indian FMCG companies, including Dabur, Britannia, Marico, Patanjali, ITC, and Reliance Consumer have a significant presence in Nepal. Most of them operate through their local distributors or partnerships.

Some of the FMCG companies as Dabur, ITC (through Surya Nepal), Britannia, etc, have their manufacturing operations in Nepal. Companies as Reliance Consumer have a partnership with Chaudhary Group for local manufacturing and distribution.

Chaudhary Group (CG), Nepal's largest multinational conglomerate, has recently also entered into a formal joint venture agreement with the Indian food company Bikaji Foods also.

Protesters in Kathmandu set fire to a building that houses Nepal's largest media group, Kantipur TV on Tuesday, as Gen Z-led anti-corruption demonstrations witnessed large-scale destruction on the second day.

Kantipur Media Group is Nepal's leading media conglomerate, housing prominent outlets such as Kantipur Television, Radio Kantipur, and The Kathmandu Post. Headquartered in Kathmandu, specifically at Central Business Park, the organisation has been a trusted source of news and information for Nepali households since 1993.

According to Nepali media reports, protestors forced staff members out of the buildings before setting the offices ablaze. No injuries have been reported so far.

Former Indian diplomat Ashok Sajjanhar on Tuesday highlighted that Nepal's political landscape has been shaken by widespread protests led by Gen Z demonstrators, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The protests were sparked by a government ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing concerns over misinformation and regulatory compliance.

However, the ban was seen as an attack on free speech and a way to suppress dissent, further fueling public frustration.

Speaking with ANI, he said that Nepal's government has lost the confidence of its citizens, and the social media ban was the "last straw on the camel's back" that triggered the violent protests in Nepal.

Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel on Tuesday appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and come forward for dialogue to resolve the crisis. “The country is passing through a difficult situation,” he said.

He urged all, including the agitating Gen Z, to cooperate to find a peaceful way out.

Actor Manisha Koirala, whose grandfather Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala was the first prime minister of Nepal, has strongly condemned the violence in the country.

Her reaction came in the wake of the protests led by 'Gen Z' demonstrators against corruption and the government's ban on social media platforms. Manisha, who was born in Nepal, posted a gritty glimpse from the protests with a picture of a blood-soaked shoe.

Speaking out against the clash between the protestors and the police, the actor called it a "black day." She further urged media to focus on the fact that the protests were in fact against corruption and not a ban on social media sites.

Russia is closely monitoring the situation in Nepal, its embassy in Kathmandu said on Tuesday as it advised its citizens to observe caution in the wake of massive anti-government protests in the Himalayan nation.

Violent protests by youths in Kathmandu and a few other places against a government ban on social media sites on Monday left at least 19 people dead and over 300 others injured.

The Nepal Army urged the demonstrators to maintain social harmony and national unity amid widespread protests over corruption and social media ban. The army also extended its condolences to the affected families.

“This movement has caused irreversible harm and deep sorrow to the people, and it is with a heavy heart that we extend our condolences to the bereaved families. We express heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with them. At the same time, we wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the army said in a statement.

On the ongoing protests in Nepal, Former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae says, "One of the reasons for this is also that the two big parties got together to form a grand coalition, and the rumour in Nepal was that this coalition has been formed because leaders of both the parties were under investigation for corruption by the previous government. So to stop those investigations, they formed this coalition. And then they arrested one of the very popular leaders of one of the other parties, who has incidentally been released from jail today by the protesters. I think there was this sense that nothing was happening within the existing institutions in Nepal, and these youngsters have taken the law into their own hands..."

Wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, hours after anti-government protesters set their house on fire in Kathmandu, News18 has reported citing local media.

According to local media, Khanal's wife was rushed to the hospital with severe burn injuries on multiple parts of her body.

Earlier, hundreds of protesters, mostly youth, surrounded the house of the former Nepal PM and set it on fire. Read more

Rastriya Swatantra Party chairman Rabi Lamichhane was released from Nakkhu jail in Nepal, News18 said. Following Lamichhane's release, around 1,500 inmates were also left the prison as the police vacated their posts, sources told News18.

Former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal’s wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar was in critical condition and admitted to a local hospital after protestors set fire to their residence in Dallu, Khabarhub reported.

Chitrakar was inside the home when the demonstrators set the house on fire, which led to serious injuries and lung damage, local news media reported.

Nepal News live: Drone footage of Nepal's Parliament on fire | Watch

VIDEO | Kathmandu: Drone footage captures the Parliament building being set ablaze amid widespread protests in Nepal.

The Nepal Army chief is expected to address the nation soon on September 9, Nepali media reports said.

With Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli forced to resign from the post on Tuesday, the country’s Gen Z population heralding the protest against corruption and nepotism triggered by social media ban of at least 26 sites, are pinning their hopes on Mayor Balen Shah.

An editorial in the Nepalese daily The Himalaya Times note, "The people who are leading today's agitation are clearly saying, ‘Come Balen, save us from this crisis'." Read more

The Nepali Army and chiefs of other security agencies issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, urging protesters to restrain and resolve the crisis through dialogue.

"As the Prime Minister's resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call upon all to restrain and not to allow more loss to life and property in this difficult situation,” they said.

They also called upon all concerned parties to find a peaceful solution to the problem through political dialogue.

"A peaceful resolution through dialogue is the only way to restore order and stability,” the joint statement said.

Nepal News Live: KP Sharma Oli's home in Kathmandu on fire

Protesters torch KP Sharma Oli's residence in Kathmandu. Earlier in the day, the Nepali PM Oli resigned amid widespread demonstrations against the government over alleged corruption.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) that guards the 1751-km-long unfenced international front with Nepal has stepped up security across all its border posts and vulnerable points in the wake of unrest in Nepal, officials said.

All the field commanders of the SSB have been asked to be on the ground and maintain an enhanced vigil, they said “Additional forces have been deployed at 22 outposts of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the border, while police stations in five border areas are keeping surveillance through drone cameras,” Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said in Balrampur.

He added that intelligence agencies have been instructed to maintain strict monitoring, and all personnel deployed along the 85-km-long border in Balrampur have been directed to remain on high alert.

The CPI(ML) Liberation has expressed its outrage over the killings of civilians in Nepal and slammed the "corruption" that, it said, corroded the neighbouring country's institutions.

In a statement issued late on Monday night, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation said the government's move to ban 26 social media sites, including WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, was an assault on the people's fundamental right to free expression.

"We are outraged and deeply saddened by the horrific killing of at least 19 young protesters and the brutal state repression in Nepal on September 8 during protests against the blanket ban on social media platforms. These killings mark one of the darkest days in Nepal's recent democratic journey," the CPI(ML) said.

Kathmandu, Nepal: A protestor says, "The Parliament building is set on fire by the Gen-Z protestors. Yesterday, Nepal Police personnel killed at least 19 students. The protest is not because of the social media ban, but we are protesting because we want a youth leader. We want change. The Gen-Z demands a youth leader..."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday issued an advisory for Indians in light of the ongoing situation in Nepal, urging them to postpone their travel plans to the neighbouring country “until the situation has stabilised.”

In its advisory, the ministry said, “In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised.” Read more

MEA statement: In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised. Indian citizens presently in Nepal are advised to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution. They are also advised to follow local safety advisories from Nepal authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. In case of any assistance required, please call the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, on the following helpline numbers:

+977 – 980 860 2881 (WhatsApp call also)

+977 – 981 032 6134 (WhatsApp call also)

Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel has officially accepted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation, following Oli's announcement earlier on Tuesday afternoon, The Himalayan Times reported.

The resignation comes amid unprecedented protests led by Gen Z youths, who have been demanding accountability over corruption, government restrictions, and alleged police misconduct. Over the past two days, these demonstrations have escalated sharply, resulting in at least 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries in clashes around the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu.

epal’s government responded to escalating violent protests over a ban on popular social media platforms with deadly force. The public outrage over the ban and the deaths of 19 protesters on Monday led to the resignation of the prime minister and exposed deep discontent over corruption.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli also rolled backed the short-lived ban after protesters turned their anger on politicians by setting fire to homes of some of the country’s top leaders.

Led by mostly teenagers and young adults, the protests revealed a broader resentment in Nepal, where many people have increasingly become angry with the government over a range of issues, mostly to do with corruption and frustration over nepotism in the country’s politics.

“Protests over the social media ban were just a catalyst. Frustrations over how the country is being run have long been simmering under the surface. People are very angry and Nepal finds itself in a very precarious situation,” said Prateek Pradhan, editor of Baahrakhari, a Nepalese independent news website.

While Nepal is still grappling with how to restore normalcy, this is not the first time India has witnessed such large-scale turmoil in its neighbourhood. Over the past five years, almost all major regimes in India’s backyard have been toppled following widespread unrest led by students and the middle class. Read more

Amid violent anti-government protests across the country led by students, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday tendered his resignation.

The protests, which began on Monday with calls for the government to lift a ban on social media and tackle corruption, reignited on Tuesday even after the order was revoked.

Check out the five reasons for the massive protests in Nepal.

Nepal News Live: Protestors set Parliament on fire as demonstrations turn violent | Watch

Protestors set the Parliament on fire as the protest turned violent in Kathmandu. The Nepali PM resigned this afternoon amid demonstrations against the Government over alleged corruption.

Protestors set the Parliament on fire as the protest turned violent in Kathmandu.

The Nepali PM resigned this afternoon amid demonstrations against the Government over alleged corruption.

Foreign affairs expert Brahma Chellaney on September 9 said recent development in Nepal is a reminder of its "chronic instability" and it is unlikely to end anytime soon. He said the protests show even seasoned political survivors can't "withstand the fury of the streets".

"KP Sharma Oli of the Marxist-Leninist Party, who muscled his way back into office for a fourth term in July 2024, has now been forced to resign as Nepal's prime minister. His fall, triggered by the youth-led protests sweeping the nation, underscores how even the country’s most seasoned political survivor could not withstand the fury of the streets. In a nation that has cycled through 14 governments in 17 years, Oli’s exit is less an end than another reminder of Nepal’s chronic instability," he said in a post on X.

Twenty one members of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by jailed leader Rabi Lamichhane, have resigned from the Parliament, News18 reported on September 9. The development is likely to further deepen the cloud of uncertainty in the country, the report said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday urged the people in northern districts bordering Nepal to maintain peace in the wake of violent anti-government protests in the neighbouring country.

Violent protests continued in Nepal for the second day on Tuesday, defying curbs on public gatherings, as demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and vandalised the residences of several political leaders.

Nepal’s finance minister Bishnu Paudel was reportedly attacked by a crowd of protesters, according to a video that has gone viral on the internet.

In the video, a man can be seen running away from a crowd of angry protesters, who kicked, punched and dragged the individual before being rescued by bystanders.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the video and the time and date of the incident. Read more

IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) said, "Travel Advisory In view of the prevailing situation in #Kathmandu, the airport has been closed for operations. Consequently, all flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now. If your travel is impacted, you may conveniently opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund by visiting our website. We are closely monitoring the developments and coordinating with local authorities to resume operations at the earliest. Customers are kindly advised to keep checking our official channels for the latest advisories and updates. We look forward to the restoration of normal operations and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding"

Air India cancelled its flights between the national capital and Kathmandu in view of the closure of the city's airport amid anti-government protests.

Watch: Nepal protestors set Supreme Court in Kathmandu on fire

Embassy of India Kathmandu says, "All Indian nationals in Nepal are hereby requested to note the following telephone numbers from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, for contact, in case they are facing any emergency situation or require assistance: +977 – 980 860 2881 , +977 – 981 032 6134."

Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday urged for peace in Nepal following the recent protests.

The Spokesperson in a statement said that they were following the situation with concern.

"The United Nations is obviously following the situation with a lot of concern. It's critical that the authorities, the government, protect and respect the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. I think security forces, as our High Commissioner for Human Rights said, must comply with the basic principles on the use of force," the statement read.

The protestors in Nepal reportedly assaulted former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife.

The protests in Nepal took a more serious turn as the Supreme Court in Kathmandu was set on fire by the demonstrators, PTI reported.

Nepal Army has requested protestors to exercise restraint and prevent further damage.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday “in view of the adverse situation in the country” as anti-corruption protesters defied an indefinite curfew and clashed with police.

His resignation followed a fresh wave of agitation, just a day after 19 people were killed in youth-led demonstrations — largely driven by those under the age of 28, termed Gen Z — that erupted after a government-imposed social media ban.

“I have resigned to help facilitate a solution and resolve the crisis politically,” Oli said, announcing that his resignation was effective immediately.

Nepal News Live: People take out victory march on streets of Kathmandu

With nationwide protests spiraling, the Nepali Army has begun evacuating ministers from their Bhaisepati residences using helicopters. The emergency move followed a wave of arson and vandalism targeting the homes of ministers and senior officials. In one of the most serious incidents, protesters set ablaze a minister’s residence in Bhaisepati, underscoring the worsening unrest.

Reports are emerging from Kathmandu that Oli is now being taken to the Nepal Army Headquarters. It should be noted that other senior leaders have also been moved inside military barracks for safety reasons. There are indications that a Supreme Court judge may be appointed as caretaker Prime Minister until fresh elections are held.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned after violent clashes swept across the country. According to reports from Kathmandu, Oli submitted his resignation ahead of a Cabinet meeting at 5 p.m.

The Himalayan nation has been in turmoil for the past 48 hours, with youth-led protests erupting over the government’s ban on social media. At least 20 people were killed in Monday’s demonstrations.

On Tuesday, the crisis deepened as protesters stormed the Parliament building and set parts of the complex ablaze. Four Cabinet ministers also stepped down, adding to public anger over the government’s handling of the unrest.

The group of protesters that were marching towards the Parliament building managed to breach the security and set ablaze to the complex, reports from Kathmandu say. The airport has been shut down and all flights have been cancelled.

At least 19 people have died and over 100 injured in Nepal’s worst unrest in decades following a controversial social media ban and growing anger against the so-called “Nepo Kids”. The protests have already witnessed tens of thousands of students and young demonstrators rally in Kathmandu and other cities. The trigger was initially sparked by the government’s decision to block major platforms including Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. (Read More)

Protesters torch Nepali Congress HQ; Helicopters airlift ministers to safety

India has issued an advisory for all its citizens currently living in Nepal following the violent clashes over the social media ban. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs has advised all Indian nationals to “to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities.”

Calling Nepal “a close friend and neighbor,” India has appealed for “peaceful means and dialogue.” The MEA further said that it was “closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured.” (Read More)

Mobs has vandalised and set ablaze the private residence of President Ram Chandra Paudel's private residence

We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation.

We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces during protests organized by youth groups demonstrating against corruption and the recent Government ban on social media platforms.

We call on the authorities to respect and ensure the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

All security forces must comply with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials.

Nepal enjoys a lively democracy and active civic space, and dialogue is the best means to address young people’s concerns. We urge reconsideration of measures to regulate social media to ensure they comply with Nepal’s human rights obligations.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has summoned an all-party meeting at 6 PM today as Nepal grapples with intensifying Gen-Z protests.

The youth-led demonstrations, fueled by frustration over corruption, entrenched political privilege, generational inequality, and the recent social media ban, took a deadly turn on Monday, claiming 19 lives.

Amid the escalating turmoil, the residences of several senior political leaders have come under attack, with protesters setting houses ablaze.

After Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down over the deadly crackdown on Gen Z protests, Nepal’s Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari resigned on Tuesday, condemning the government’s use of force that killed 19 people across Kathmandu and other parts of the country. Aligned with the Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress, Adhikari cited the government’s “authoritarian response” during Monday’s demonstrations in his resignation letter, saying the state had “responded with widespread suppression, killings, and use of force, moving the country towards authoritarianism rather than democracy,” according to the Kathmandu Post. (Read More)

To contain the escalating turmoil, authorities imposed curfews across several districts, tightening security measures as protests spread.

In the Far-West, demonstrators stormed the Chief Minister’s Office and vandalized vehicles belonging to Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, further intensifying tensions in the region.

Protesters in Koshi Province gathered at Devkota Chowk near the Provincial Assembly Secretariat. Tires were set ablaze as crowds demanded greater government accountability.

In Sarlahi’s district headquarters, Malangwa, protesters set fire to local offices of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. The arson came as retaliation for police action against demonstrators during Monday’s unrest.

Large-scale protests erupted in Makwanpur, particularly in Hetauda and the eastern town of Manahari Bazaar. Protesters burned tires on the East-West Highway, halting traffic for hours. Authorities deployed additional security personnel to contain the situation.

In the capital, demonstrators pelted stones and lit small fires outside the residences of senior leaders, including CPN-MC chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

Nepal’s Gen-Z movement continued into a second day on Tuesday, marked by violent clashes and widespread injuries reported from multiple districts.

Calm has returned to Kathmandu as most protesters have dispersed, leaving the streets largely deserted, reported India Today. Security officials remain on alert, with army and police forces still deployed in key areas amid concerns that demonstrations could resume tomorrow. A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has decided to form an investigative committee to probe the incidents during the Gen Z protests.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has refused to lift the social media ban, insisting in a Cabinet meeting that the decision stands and must be publicly supported by all ministers, reported India Today. The move triggered tensions, as Nepali Congress ministers in the ruling coalition demanded the ban be revoked and walked out in protest after Oli dismissed critics as “Gen Z troublemakers.” In response to the escalating rift, Oli has called an emergency meeting of the ruling coalition.

Following Monday’s protest, hospitals like the National Trauma Centre and Bir Hospital received over 200 pints of blood from the Central Blood Transfusion Service to treat the large number of injured protesters, reported The Kathmandu Post. The blood bank reported collecting 1,200 pints on Monday, with many people voluntarily queuing to donate. Officials warned that demand for blood is likely to rise further and have deployed 20 staff members for collection.

Following the deadly uprising in Nepal, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has tendered his resignation from the post citing moral responsibility. During a cabinet meeting, Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, citing the violent suppression of demonstrators earlier in the day, which resulted in multiple casualties killing at least 19 people.

The Himalayan Times reported that the death toll from the protests has climbed to 19, while more than 345 people have been injured across Nepal.

According to hospital officials, it is reported, at least 17 died in different hospitals in Kathmandu alone–8 people died at the National Trauma Centre, 3 at Everest Hospital, 3 at Civil Hospital, 2 at Kathmandu Medical College, and 1 at Tribhuvan Teaching Hospital.

In Sunsari, 2 protesters shot during demonstrations in Itahari also succumbed to injuries, taking the nationwide toll to 19. Hospitals across the country are treating at least 347 injured protesters.

Those injured include Gen Z protesters, security personnel, and journalists, the report says.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has extended the curfew, initially imposed in parts of Baneshwar, to now cover a wider zone. It includes the President’s residence, Shital Niwas area, Maharajgunj, the vice-president’s residence in Lainchaur, all sides of Singha Durbar, the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding areas, reported The Kathmandu Post.

The National Human Rights Commission in Nepal has condemned the deaths of protesters and injuries to several others due to excessive use of force by security forces during youth-led protests against social media bans and political corruption. It has urged the authorities to immediately stop the excessive use of force and to address the concerns raised by the younger generation.

The Rupandehi District Administration Office has imposed a curfew order in the Butwal–Bhairahawa area from 4 pm. to 10 pm, reported The Himalayan Times.

The Nepal government is likely to reconsider ban on social media. According to CNN-News18, the government is mulling over revoking the ban. The government has reportedly said 'lives are precious, not worth the ban'.

Nepal News Live: Visual of protest turned violent amid heavy police deployment

The Sunsari District Administration in Nepal has issued an indefinite curfew order in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City effective from 3:30 pm Monday, following the escalation of Gen Z protests against corruption and the government's social media ban.

"We were planning to hold a peaceful protest, but as we advanced further, we could see the violence by the police. The police are firing on the people, which is against the essence of peaceful protest. Those who are sitting in power cannot impose their power on us. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which is against the freedom of speech and the right to expression. The Police have been firing at protestors...," said a protester at the scene.

Another demonstrator recounted the ongoing violence: "A while ago, the police fired bullets which did not hit me but hit a friend of mine standing behind me. He was shot in the hand. The firing is still going on and we can hear gunfire from inside the parliament as well. My friend, who was standing on the road, was shot in the head. The police are firing indiscriminately, aiming above the knees. Are they allowed to do this?..." -- ANI

Actors Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya voiced concerns over corruption, poor infrastructure, and unaccountable leadership, while Nischal Basnet, Keki Adhikari, and Barsha Raut also expressed solidarity through social media, reported The Kathmandu Post. Other celebrities including Prakash Saput, Anmol KC, Pradeep Khadka, Bholaraj Sapkota, Barsha Shiwakoti, Elina Chauhan, Rachana Rimal, and Samikshya Adhikari urged participation, amplifying the youth-led movement.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called a cabinet meeting at 6 pm at his official residence in Baluwatar.

Since the ban was announced, TikTok — which remains accessible — has been flooded with videos contrasting the hardships faced by ordinary Nepalis with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, who display luxury goods and vacations abroad.

“There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they fear something similar could erupt here,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.

Similar demonstrations have been reported in cities outside Kathmandu, reflecting growing discontent over the government’s policies.

“We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”

Another protester, 20-year-old student Ikshama Tumrok, said the movement was also against the “authoritarian attitude” of the government. “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told AFP.

To contain the unrest, the Kathmandu District Administration enforced a restriction order from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Parliament area. “No rallies, gatherings, demonstrations, or sit-ins will be allowed in the restricted zone,” Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal said in a notice. The Army has been deployed in parts of Kathmandu where protests have intensified and curfew has been imposed.

The demonstrations escalated when protesters pushed through police barricades close to the Parliament building. Security forces responded with baton charges, rubber bullets, and tear gas to scatter the crowd, according to eyewitness accounts.

From early morning, large groups of young people — including school students — gathered in Maitighar and Baneshwor. They accused the government of systemic corruption and of stifling free expression by blocking 26 social media platforms, among them Facebook, WhatsApp, and X.

At least 14 people were killed and over 100 injured on Monday after protests against Nepal’s ban on social media platforms turned violent in the capital. Police confirmed that the situation forced authorities to impose a day-long curfew across several parts of Kathmandu.