Gen Z Protests in Nepal: Death Toll Rises, Discussions on Interim Government Continue

The tragic consequences of the ongoing Gen Z protests in the Kathmandu Valley are evident, with the death toll reaching 31. These figures are confirmed by officials from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, where postmortem examinations are being performed. The identities of 25 victims have been preliminarily established. The remaining six individuals are still unidentified. Identification efforts have primarily relied on documents found at protest sites and recognition by family members. Additionally, over 1000 individuals have sustained injuries during the protests across the region. In a separate incident, the wife of former Nepalese PM Khanal is in critical condition following an arson attack that occurred amidst the demonstrations. Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former PM Jhala Nath Khanal, suffered severe burns after protesters set fire to her home. Simultaneously, discussions are underway between the Nepalese Army, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and representatives of the Gen Z youth movement. The goal is to determine the leadership structure for an interim government during this period of political instability. The Gen Z protest leaders have put forward Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their unanimous choice to lead as interim Prime Minister. The negotiations are slated to commence between Karki’s team and the Army leadership, potentially involving the President’s Office, depending on how the situation evolves. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has also voiced his support for Karki’s nomination. The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, sparked by the government’s decision to ban major social media platforms. This action was taken due to concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity. Curfew has been implemented in several cities, including Kathmandu, and is scheduled to remain in effect until Friday morning. Protesters have been demanding an end to corruption and favoritism within the government, seeking greater transparency and accountability. The ‘Nepo Babies’ trend on social media amplified public discontent by highlighting the economic disparities between the children of politicians and ordinary citizens.