Violent protests over social media ban leave 19 dead, parliament torched and former PM’s wife killed, Nepal
Protesters set fire to Nepal’s Parliament building and other government structures in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025, during violent demonstrations against a nationwide social media ban and corruption. At least 19 people were killed in clashes with security forces, more than 300 were injured, and Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died after protesters set her home on fire.
Nepal’s parliament is on fire, marking a new beginning. #Nepal pic.twitter.com/nXbDgC7FG3
— trending Nepal (@trending_Nepal) September 9, 2025
The demonstrations, known as the “protest of Gen Z,” began on September 8 after the government blocked 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Signal.
Authorities explained their decision as an effort to combat disinformation and enforce new regulations requiring social media companies to register locally and submit to government oversight.
The ban, however, was widely seen as politically motivated censorship. Young people, who had organized digitally before the shutdown, mobilized across Kathmandu and other cities. Demonstrations quickly grew, driven not only by opposition to the restrictions but also by longstanding frustration with unemployment, corruption, and nepotism among the political elite.
Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, killing at least 19 people were confirmed dead, according to official figures.
Reported injury counts range from just over 100 to more than 340, but medical facilities in Kathmandu confirmed they were overwhelmed, treating dozens for gunshot wounds, blunt-force trauma, and tear gas exposure.
While human rights groups criticized the use of live fire against largely unarmed demonstrators, authorities defended the crackdown as necessary to protect government buildings and prevent wider unrest.
The scale of the casualties and the public outcry over the government’s use of force intensified political pressure within hours of the crackdown while demonstrations expanded in Kathmandu and spread to other urban centers.
This led to intense public pressure and growing criticism, forcing senior officials to resign.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down on September 8, followed by Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel the next day. Additional cabinet members, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Health, resigned along with at least 21 Members of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
Although the government lifted the ban on September 8, the protests continued, fueled by anger over the deaths of demonstrators.
On September 9, demonstrators escalated their actions by storming and setting fire to the Parliament building in Kathmandu. Flames also engulfed the Supreme Court and the Singha Durbar complex, which houses multiple ministries and government offices.
On the same day in Dallu, Kathmandu, protesters set fire to the home of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal. His wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, was trapped inside, sustained critical burn injuries, and later died at Kirtipur Burn Hospital. Khanal himself was rescued by soldiers deployed as part of the army’s emergency operations.
Widespread arson and attacks on government institutions on September 9 created fears of a total collapse of order in Kathmandu. Rumors circulated that senior officials were preparing to leave the country as unrest escalated. To prevent a power vacuum and ensure accountability, the Nepalese Army was deployed to secure Tribhuvan International Airport, which was closed to all domestic and international flights.
The move was intended to stop political leaders from fleeing abroad, maintain control over strategic infrastructure, and stabilize the capital while investigations and emergency measures were initiated.
Authorities also announced free medical treatment for the injured, compensation for the families of the dead, and the creation of a special committee to examine the causes of the violence. Curfews and restrictions on public gatherings remained in effect across Kathmandu and other cities.
The protests were largely decentralized, led by young people under the Gen Z label. Activists channeled online activism into street mobilization, targeting both the social media restrictions and entrenched political corruption.
Despite the lifting of the ban and multiple resignations, demonstrations continued across the country as of September 9, leaving the political future uncertain and raising the likelihood of a prolonged state of emergency.
References:
1 Why is Nepal’s ‘Gen Z’ protesting? – Reuters – September 8, 2025.
2 What’s next for Nepal? PM Oli resigns after violent protests – Times of India – September 9, 2025.
3 Nepal lifts social media ban after 19 die in Gen Z protests – Times of India – September 9, 2025.
4 Ex-Nepal PM’s wife burnt alive as protesters set his house on fire – NDTV – September 9, 2025.
5 A look at the anti-corruption protests that ended Nepal’s social media ban – Reuters – September 9, 2025.
6 2025 Nepalese Gen Z protests – Wikipedia – Accessed September 9, 2025.
Featured image: Protesters set fire to Nepal’s Parliament building in Kathmandu, September 9, 2025. Credit: X
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.