Death toll from Gen Z protests rises to 34 in Nepal

The death toll from the ongoing Gen Z protests in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley has risen to 34, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Population.Over 1,368 people have been injured across the country since the protests began on September 8.Health ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki confirmed that most of the injured have already received treatment, with 949 discharged from hospitals. As of Friday morning, 58 patients remain admitted at the Trauma Centre, 48 at Civil Service Hospital, 35 at Kathmandu Medical College, 25 at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, and 26 at Birendra Military Hospital.
Amid the escalating crisis, a high-level meeting is scheduled at the President’s House on Friday. The discussions will include Nepal’s Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, and leaders of the CPN (Maoist Centre). President Ram Chandra Paudel is also expected to participate in the talks aimed at addressing the political unrest.The protests, led by Gen Z youth, have gained momentum following the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. On Thursday, protest leaders endorsed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their candidate for interim Prime Minister, citing her independence and strong record against judicial and political corruption. “We should choose Sushila Karki as the best option as the guardian of the country,” said Gen Z leader Junal Gadal.Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, is regarded as a reformist voice and has received public backing from Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah, further boosting her candidacy,according to information.
The Gen Z leaders have pointed to rampant corruption and political stagnation as the main reasons for the mass mobilisation. “We are staging this movement against corruption, as it is rampant,” said youth leader Diwakar Dangal. Another leader, Anil Baniya, stressed that the demonstrations were intended to be peaceful, blaming political infiltrators for the outbreaks of violence, vandalism, and arson.Organisers have vowed not to dismantle Nepal’s constitution but to press for amendments. “Through online surveys, the Gen Z leaders voted for Sushila Karki. Within six months, we will head to elections,” Baniya added.
The protests were initially triggered by the government’s ban on major social media platforms, citing concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity. The move has been widely condemned as an attack on free expression, sparking widespread anger.Curfews remain in place in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, and will be re-imposed Friday night from 7 pm until 6 am Saturday, the Nepalese Army said.Public outrage has intensified as social media trends such as “Nepo Babies” exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, further highlighting the stark contrast between political elites and struggling citizens.