A Reckoning in Nepal

An aerial view shows demonstrators gathered outside Nepal's parliament during a protest in Kathmandu on Monday, condemning social media prohibitions and corruption by the government. Nepal police opened fire, killing at least 19 people, as thousands of young protesters took to the streets demanding the government lift a social media ban and tackle corruption. (Prabin Ranabhat/AFP/Getty Images)

 

"We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here."

"We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalized in Nepal."

Yujan Rajbhandari, 24, Nepali student, Kathmandu 

 

"Violence is not the answer [urging Nepalese security forces to restraint as protests continued their third day]."

"I am appalled by escalating violence in #Nepal, which has left many young protesters dead or injured."

"Reports of the disproportionate use of force by the authorities need to be urgently investigated. Dialogue – not violence – is the way forward."

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk 

 

"In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution."

KP Oli, 73, four-time prime minister who leads the Communist Party  

Nepal PM Resigns Amid Deadly Anti-Corruption Protests   Still capture from video, Newsweek

 

Nepal has erupted in street protests led by its Gen X demographic in revolt against a government ban on social media, demanding its reversal, while also calling for an end to government institutionalized corruption. Those street protests began with singing of the national anthem and the flag of Nepal in full display. They speedily deteriorated in response to police attempting to restore order where the protesters were met with rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and police baton-wielding charges when demonstrators rushed through barbed wire fencing into a restricted area adjacent parliament.

 

"I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital. Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work", stated Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the facility where many of the wounded -- both demonstrators and police -- were taken for emergency treatment. Media in Nepal reported live fire was used by police against protesters. "Sixteen people have sadly died. About a hundred are under treatment, including police", reported Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police. 

 

A curfew was imposed by the district administration in a number of areas of the city, including the parliament, the president's residence and Singha Durbar, where the prime minister's office is housed. Some demonstrators climbed over the wall into the parliament premises, vandalizing the gate. Other districts across the country saw similar protests being organized. 

 

A protester carries a firearm as demonstrators gather outside the Singha Durbar palace complex during a protest to condemn the police's deadly crackdown on demonstrators in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025, a day after demonstrations over social media prohibitions and corruption by the government. PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images

 

Millions of Nepalis are users of popular platforms like Instagram, relying on them for news, entertainment, and business. A total of 26 social media platforms had been under the ban. One student said she was protesting against the "authoritarian attitude" of the government. "We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation", 20-year-old Ikshama Tumrok said, while joining the chants against the ban on social media, and government corruption. 

 

A vehicle was set on fire in front of the office of the CPN (Unified Socialist) in Kathmandu, Nepal on September 9. Photo: Surendra Kandel

 

Ministers, former ministers and high-profile officials have been involved in a number of reported corruption cases in the past several years. Since the ban came into effect, videos have surfaced and gone viral on TikTok, contrasting struggles of ordinary Nepalis, as opposed to the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and costly vacation. "There have been movements abroad against corruption and they [government], are afraid that might happen here as well", observed protester Bhumika Bharati. 

 

On Tuesday the Nepalese parliament building as well as homes of political leaders were torched by more aggressive protesters, demanding the resignation of the entire government apparatus. Also on Tuesday, the wife of Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal died, burned alive when her home was set on fire as the anti-government protests became more violent. 

 

 

Smoke rises from Nepal’s Parliament after it was set on fire by demonstrators on the second day of anti-government protests in Kathmandu. PTI