Curfew Holds in Kathmandu as Gen Z Reignites Protests Peacefully; Army Secures Parliament Roads

Agencies, Kathmandu, September 9, 2025 : What began as an online backlash has transformed into a nation-defining outcry. The Nepali government's sweeping ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, YouTube, and Instagram, triggered a youth-led uprising—now widely referred to as the Gen Z protests—that culminated in tragic violence, Senate-level turmoil, and sweeping policy reversals.

After a day of relative calm following Nepal’s deadliest crackdown on protest in recent memory, tensions remain high in the capital as Gen Z activists have resumed their demonstrations, now calling for peaceful continuation of the anti-corruption movement.

Authorities have maintained a tight security cordon across Kathmandu, with a curfew still enforced in key government zones, including areas surrounding the President’s House, Prime Minister’s residence, Singha Durbar, and Parliament complex. The Nepal Army remains deployed, having taken full control of the roads around the Parliament in response to the widespread unrest that killed at least 19 people and injured over 400.

Although the government lifted the controversial social media ban on Monday night following massive national and international pressure, demonstrators have made it clear that the movement is far from over.

Gen Z Regroups After Mourning Period

After initially postponing further demonstrations in honour of those killed, Gen Z Nepal — the group spearheading the protests — has now reignited the movement, urging all supporters to remain peaceful but persistent.

Social media, now back online, has been flooded with calls for justice, transparency, and government accountability. Protesters continue to demand:

• The resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli;

• A lifetime ban on leaders who have repeatedly failed in office;

• An independent ombudsman-style watchdog body to combat corruption and abuse of power.

Despite the violence that marred earlier protests, Gen Z supporters are reiterating their commitment to non-violence, urging fellow demonstrators to avoid property damage or confrontation with security forces.

Army Maintains Control, Curfew Still in Place

The army’s presence remains strong, particularly around the Parliament complex and Singha Durbar. Armoured vehicles and military patrols are monitoring traffic, and pedestrian access is heavily restricted.

A temporary curfew, initially lifted early this morning, was reimposed from 7 AM to 12 PM in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kathamandu greater metropolitan city and areas near the homes of key ministers and political party offices, including those of Nepali Congress, UML, and Maoist Centre leaders.

Officials have yet to indicate when the curfew will be fully lifted or when the army will be withdrawn.

Calm on the Surface, But Unrest Brews Beneath

On Tuesday, Kathmandu’s major protest sites, including Maitighar and Baneshwar, saw fewer crowds compared to Monday’s chaos. However, the spirit of resistance remains palpable, especially among young students, professionals, and civil society activists.

Protesters interviewed by local media say they refuse to allow the deaths of their peers to be in vain. “This is no longer just about social media. This is about our future,” said a protester in her early twenties.

The National Human Rights Commission and the United Nations have condemned the state’s use of force, urging the government to uphold democratic rights and ensure a fair and transparent investigation.

A government-appointed probe committee has begun preliminary assessments of the violence, though many remain skeptical of its impartiality.

International Response Grows

Seven embassies — including those of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Australia — have jointly expressed concern over the violence and called for restraint on all sides. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights echoed these sentiments, warning against the disproportionate use of force on peaceful protesters.

What’s Next?

While Kathmandu remains under heavy security, the Gen Z movement shows no sign of dissolving. Organizers say their next phase will focus on grassroots mobilization, digital campaigns, and policy demands rather than large-scale rallies for now.

Still, a large public vigil is expected in the coming days to honour the deceased and renew calls for systemic change.

As Nepal stands at a critical crossroads, the coming days will likely determine whether the government can regain public trust or face sustained civic resistance led by a generation no longer willing to stay silent.

On September 4, the government ordered a shutdown of major social platforms that failed to register under new state regulations—a move aimed at curbing misinformation, hate speech, and unregulated content under the Social Media Usage Directive, 2023. 

Critics, including the National Human Rights Commission, warned that this abrupt action undermined freedom of expression and constitutional principles. Journalists, digital rights groups, and students took to the streets, warning that this was a dangerous erosion of democratic rights .

From Hashtags to Headlines: Gen Z Takes to the Streets

Online campaigns like “Nepo Kid” sparked a digital anti-corruption movement, exposing the affluent lifestyles of political figures’ children. This social momentum birthed the Gen Z protests—youth mobilized beyond screens, converging in Kathmandu’s Maitighar on September 8, carrying placards, backpacks, and books in an entirely peaceful demonstration Mayor Balendra Shah lent symbolic support, praising the spontaneity and focus on genuine grievances.

Crackdown and Chaos: Escalation in New Baneshwar

By midday, demonstrators had breached barricades in restricted zones near New Baneshwar and even entered Parliament premises. Police responded with teargas and water cannons. The day became Nepal's deadliest protest in recent history: at least 19 to 20 protesters killed, over 200 injured, according to reports from Reuters, AP, The Guardian, and others.

Government Backtracks and Launches Inquiry

By September 9, in a sharp policy reversal, the government lifted the social media ban, restoring platforms in response to mounting protests and casualties. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed the reactivation. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli attributed the violence to external “infiltration,” expressed sorrow, pledged relief to victims’ families, promised free medical treatment, and announced a probe to report back within 15 days.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation, citing moral responsibility—the fallout marking a rare high-level political consequence of street-level unrest.

Timeline of Key Events

Date	Event
Sept 4	Government bans 26 social media platforms for non-registration
Sept 5–7	NHRC and journalists protest; online campaigns grow
Sept 8 (Morning)	Gen Z protest begins peacefully at Maitighar
Sept 8 (Midday)	Protest breaches restricted zones; security forces retaliate
Sept 8 (Evening)	Clashes leave ~19–20 dead, hundreds injured
Sept 9 (Early)	Ban lifted; Home Minister resigns; PM orders probe and relief

Wider Implications: A Movement Beyond the Ban

• Generational Reckoning: The Gen Z protests were more than digital backlash—they represented a deeper frustration with entrenched corruption, weak governance, and lack of accountability among political leaders.

• Democratic Resilience Tested: The wave of protests and state response exposed the fragile balance between state oversight and citizens’ right to expression.

• International Scrutiny: Global rights groups and UN agencies denounced the violence and repression, demanding urgent investigations and restoration of civil liberties.

• Political Fallout: With a minister’s resignation and the swift policy reversal, the protests signified a rare, visceral influence of youth activism on executive decision-making.