Curfew Imposed in Kathmandu and Lalitpur amid Gen Z Protests

Government authorities have imposed curfews in key parts of Kathmandu and Lalitpur on Tuesday in response to demonstrations organized by 'Gen Z' groups. The curfew in Kathmandu was enforced within the Ring Road areas, while Lalitpur authorities restricted movement in several sensitive locations.

According to the state-run national news agency RSS, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu Chhabilal Rijal announced the curfew from 8:30 am until further notice. The order applies to areas inside the Ring Road stretching from Balkumari bridge to Koteshwor Chowk, Sinamangal, Gaushala, Chabhil, Narayangopal Chowk, Gonggabu, Balaju, Swayambhu, Kalanki, and the Bagmati river bridge at Balkhu. During this period, all movements, gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, meetings, and picketing are strictly prohibited.

In Lalitpur, CDO Suman Ghimire issued a curfew order from 7:00 am until Tuesday midnight under Clause 6(A) of the Local Administration Act, 2028, RSS reported.

The order covers wards 2, 4, 9, 18, and 25 of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City, including Bhainsepati, Sanepa, CG Housing to Chhobhar gorge, Gayatri Petrol Pump to Bishnudevi Mandir, Indrayani Mandir to Manmohan Park, the Manohara river corridor, Chyasal Stadium, and Malpokhari.

Ghimire said the curfew was enforced to curb potential unrest and maintain law and order, RSS added.

The Gen Z protest on Monday turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people, according to official figures released by the government.