KATHMANDU, Sept 10 – The streets of Nepal’s capital remained under strict military watch on Wednesday as soldiers took control of key institutions, including parliament, after two days of violent demonstrations that left at least 25 people dead and more than 600 injured. A curfew has been enforced across Kathmandu following the unrest, which ultimately forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to step down.
The protests, which have been widely described as the “Gen Z movement,” erupted after a controversial ban on social media was announced last week. Although the decision was quickly reversed, tensions escalated as anger boiled over among young citizens frustrated with corruption, unemployment, and what they viewed as years of political stagnation. On Monday, police clashed with demonstrators, firing tear gas and rubber bullets, sparking the bloodiest day of unrest Nepal has seen in years.
By Wednesday, the nation’s health ministry confirmed the death toll had climbed to 25, with 633 others sustaining injuries during the confrontations. The military has stated that discussions are underway between relevant groups to address grievances and seek a peaceful resolution. Reports also suggested that preparations were being made for direct dialogue between authorities and protest leaders, though no concrete details were released.
Youth Demand New Interim Leadership
A striking feature of the protests has been the role of young people, many of whom say they feel alienated by the political establishment and locked out of economic opportunities. The youth-led gatherings have adopted the banner of “Gen Z protests,” capturing both their generational identity and their demands for accountability.
Demonstrators have united around a proposal to appoint former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Raman Kumar Karna, secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, confirmed that protesters consulted him on this choice. Karki herself has expressed readiness to step into the role if entrusted with the responsibility. Representatives of the movement also said they met military officials to press their case for Karki’s leadership, signaling that the demand has gained traction beyond the streets.
The protests were not limited to slogans and marches. Government buildings became targets of public fury, with several set ablaze. Flames engulfed the parliament’s main hall on Tuesday, leaving its charred exterior as a stark reminder of the chaos. Army firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control, while elsewhere, youths began cleaning debris and damaged areas, attempting to restore some semblance of normalcy after the destruction.
Private residences of ministers, including Oli’s own home, were torched, and several sections of the Supreme Court were damaged. The chaos extended to Kathmandu’s Dilli Bazar Jail, where prisoners set fire to parts of the facility before the army stepped in to reestablish order. Despite the destruction, calm appeared to return by Wednesday as armored vehicles patrolled the largely deserted streets and firefighters cleared away rubble.
Army Pledges Security and Warns Against Violence
The Nepalese army has emphasized its commitment to stabilizing the situation, pledging to protect both life and property. Military spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said restoring order is the top priority, adding that security forces will not tolerate further acts of vandalism, arson, or violence. In an official statement, the army confirmed that the curfew will remain in place until Thursday morning, warning that anyone who defies it or engages in destructive acts will face strict punishment.
Kathmandu’s international airport, which had been closed for more than 24 hours during the unrest, reopened on Wednesday, signaling a gradual return to regular operations. Markets and shops, however, remained closed under heavy security presence, while residents stayed indoors as soldiers monitored intersections and patrolled major roads.
The unrest has also drawn attention to long-standing issues in Nepal’s society and economy. For decades, a lack of domestic job opportunities has driven millions of Nepali workers abroad, mainly to countries in the Middle East, Malaysia, and South Korea, where they labor in construction and service industries. Many young protesters say they are tired of leaving home in search of work, accusing successive governments of failing to build sustainable opportunities within the country.
For some demonstrators, the struggle is personal. “If my injuries and bloodshed can help secure a better future, then I have no regrets about joining the protests,” said 20-year-old Suman Rai, speaking from his hospital bed with his head and wrist heavily bandaged. His words reflect the desperation of many young Nepalis who believe the sacrifices of this week may eventually pave the way for systemic change.
The events have also reignited debate about Nepal’s turbulent political history. Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, the country has wrestled with frequent changes of leadership, corruption scandals, and instability that has hampered economic growth. Even King Gyanendra, the nation’s last monarch, released a rare statement condemning the violence, calling the deaths and injuries “highly condemnable” and urging authorities to address the genuine demands of the younger generation.
Regional reactions have been swift. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a message urging Nepali citizens to uphold peace and order, while Beijing expressed hopes that social stability would return quickly. These responses highlight Nepal’s sensitive position between two major powers, India and China, both of which maintain significant influence over its political and economic affairs.