At least eight dead as police use force to disperse Gen Z protesters

KATHMANDU: At least eight people have died in Kathmandu after police opened fire on Gen Z protesters demonstrating against corruption and the recent social media ban.

The fatalities occurred in various hospitals following clashes in the New Baneshwar area.

According to security sources, five died at Civil Hospital in New Baneshwar, while three succumbed at the National Trauma Center. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

Dozens of protesters and security personnel were injured during the demonstrations. They are receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, National Trauma Center, and Kathmandu Medical College Hospital.

Security officials say police were compelled to open fire after protesters breached a restricted area. Protesters also pelted stones at security forces, during which some security personnel were injured. The situation escalated in New Baneshwar when demonstrators attempted to enter the Parliament building and caused damage.

To take the situation under control, the local administration of Kathmandu imposed a curfew in major administrative areas, including Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President and the Narayanhiti Museum area.

The movement was led by the Gen Z generation with official permission from the District Administration Office. Some Gen Z leaders said the protest went out of control due to the activities of some infiltrators.