The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal on Friday confirmed that the death toll from the ongoing Gen Z-led protests has risen to 51. Among the dead are one Indian national and three police personnel, officials said.
According to the ministry, 30 people died from gunshot wounds while 21 others succumbed to burns, injuries, and related complications. Thirty-six bodies have been kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, where autopsies began Friday before the release of remains to families.
The protests, which erupted on September 8 in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Birgunj, and other cities, were triggered by the government’s decision to ban major social media platforms, citing cybersecurity and tax concerns. The move sparked outrage among youth, who accuse the government of “institutionalised corruption and favouritism.”
Tensions escalated further as social media highlighted the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children under the “Nepo Babies” trend, deepening public anger over economic inequality.
To curb unrest, the Nepalese Army has imposed curfews in Kathmandu and other cities, currently in force until 5 pm today, with reimposition from 7 pm to 6 am on Saturday.
Amid the turmoil, political negotiations are underway. A high-level meeting at President Ram Chandra Paudel’s residence in Sital Niwas is expected to discuss the formation of an interim government. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as the leading candidate for interim Prime Minister.
Om Prakash Aryal, a close coordinator with Karki, confirmed she is likely to meet senior advocate Baburam Kunwar, the President’s legal adviser, before holding discussions with the President. If consensus is reached, Karki could be sworn in later today.
Karki has already secured strong backing from Gen Z protest leaders and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen,’ who endorsed her as a respected, corruption-free figure capable of steering the country out of crisis.
The developments follow the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli earlier this week, deepening political uncertainty as Nepal grapples with violent protests and rising casualties.\
