At Least 14 Killed as Police Open Fire on Gen-Z Protesters in Kathmandu

At least 14 people were killed and scores injured on Monday, September 8, after police opened fire on protesters in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu.

The protest, led by Generation Z, was aimed at denouncing corruption and the government’s decision to ban social media. Demonstrators also raised slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and senior leaders of major political parties.

Tensions flared outside the Federal Parliament building when protesters broke through police barricades, clashed with security forces, and attempted to enter the premises. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and live rounds.

Casualties mounted as protesters were rushed to hospitals–including Civil, Everest, Trauma Centre, KMC–across the city. 

More than 200 people are reportedly being treated for injuries. Those in critical condition have gunshot wounds to the chest and head.

Journalists were also caught in the violence. Kantipur Daily reported that Shyam Shrestha, a Kantipur Television journalist, was shot while filming the protest and is undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital. It remains unclear whether he was struck by a rubber bullet or live ammunition. At least two other journalists have also sustained bullet injuries.

In the aftermath, the Kathmandu District Administration imposed a curfew in New Baneshwar and several other sensitive zones, including areas around the President’s residence, the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, and Singha Durbar.

Protests have spread beyond Kathmandu, with youths in several districts taking to the streets against corruption and social media restrictions. Reports suggest that demonstrators outside the capital have also sustained bullet injuries in clashes with police.