Kathmandu, 8 September 2025 — Thousands of mostly young Nepalese protesters clashed with security forces on Monday after demonstrations against a government social-media shutdown and long-standing grievances over corruption escalated into violence, leaving scores dead and many more wounded as hospitals filled with the injured. The unrest — organized in large part by Gen-Z activists who had planned morning gatherings at landmarks such as Maitighar and in front of the federal parliament complex in New Baneshwor — began in the morning and quickly spread to other cities including Pokhara, Biratnagar and Itahari. Protesters attempted to force their way into the parliament precinct, and authorities imposed curfews in central government areas.

What triggered the demonstrations was a government order to block access to dozens of social-media platforms after the companies failed to meet new registration and local-compliance requirements. The action — which a government statement framed as a response to misuse, fake accounts and online fraud — was widely seen by young people as an infringement on free expression and became the immediate spark for broader anti-corruption demands.

Security forces used water cannon, tear gas, batons and rubber bullets to try to disperse crowds, and multiple outlets reported the use of live rounds in at least some confrontations. Authorities and local media outlets gave differing figures for fatalities and injuries as the situation unfolded: several major news organizations reported death tolls in the low-to-high teens and hundreds of injured, while hospital officials said many of the wounded were in serious condition.

Reuters reported authorities saying at least 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured across the country. Al Jazeera and several other outlets put the confirmed deaths at around 14 in Kathmandu, with hospitals treating dozens of critical cases. The Associated Press and other agencies gave slightly different counts, citing hospital officials and police statements as the day progressed. Medical personnel described harrowing scenes. Dr. Badri Risal, chief medical superintendent at the National Trauma Centre, said multiple patients had suffered head and chest wounds and that several people had died while receiving treatment — comments carried by international wire services and local outlets. Families gathered outside hospitals and people began lining up to donate blood.

Eyewitnesses and protesters told news agencies that police were firing “indiscriminately”; one protester quoted by Reuters and other outlets said bullets missed him but struck a friend. At least some demonstrators were reported to have set fire to a vehicle and to have thrown stones at police lines, according to local officials. The army was reportedly deployed to bolster law enforcement in the parliament area. Background and immediate fallout. The social-media blocking order had been implemented days earlier after a deadline for local registration and the appointment of grievance officers expired; a handful of platforms that complied (including some local apps) remained accessible while many global platforms were affected. Rights groups and media watchdogs warned the move risked curbing free speech and complicating emergency communications.  Writer purak karki, Gen-Z