Nepal remained under strict nationwide curfew on Thursday following days of violent “Gen-Z” protests that led to the collapse of the government and widespread unrest. The army ordered residents in the capital, Kathmandu, to stay indoors after protesters set government buildings ablaze earlier in the week.
Authorities confirmed that at least 25 people had been killed and 633 injured since the demonstrations erupted on Monday. In the chaos, more than 13,000 prisoners were released from jails across all 77 districts of the Himalayan nation.
The protests began after a government ban on social media triggered anger among young Nepalis. Police responded with gunfire, sparking further outrage and escalating clashes. By Tuesday, government buildings had come under attack, forcing the military to intervene.
On Wednesday, protest representatives met with military officials in Kathmandu to discuss a possible transitional leadership. Some demonstrators backed Sushila Karki, a widely respected former chief justice, as interim leader.
- Meanwhile, Kathmandu’s mayor, Balen Shah a 35-year-old rapper-turned-engineer popular among young people urged protesters to remain calm and wait for the formation of an interim government.
