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Nepal army, ‘Gen Z’ protesters negotiate amidst political turmoil

Soldiers patrol quiet streets of Kathmandu following unrest over social media ban
Updated 12 Sep, 2025 11:46pm
Smoke rises from the burnt Hilton Kathmandu hotel in the distance as prisoners carrying belongings walk back to Dilli Bazaar jail, next to a soldier, after escaping and being sent back by the Nepalese army, following protests against Monday’s killing of 19 people after anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban which was later lifted, in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 10. REUTERS
Smoke rises from the burnt Hilton Kathmandu hotel in the distance as prisoners carrying belongings walk back to Dilli Bazaar jail, next to a soldier, after escaping and being sent back by the Nepalese army, following protests against Monday’s killing of 19 people after anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban which was later lifted, in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 10. REUTERS

Nepal’s army is set to resume discussions on Thursday with “Gen Z” protestors to appoint a new interim leader for the nation, following violent demonstrations that resulted in 30 deaths and the resignation of the prime minister.

In the wake of the worst protests in years, soldiers patrolled the quiet streets of the capital Kathmandu after the unrest erupted over a social media ban, which authorities lifted after 19 fatalities.

“Initial talks are on and would continue today”, said army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet, emphasising efforts to gradually restore normalcy.

According to Nepal’s health ministry, the death toll from the protests has risen to 30, with over 1,000 individuals injured. Prohibitory orders remain in effect in Kathmandu and surrounding areas for much of the day, although international flights continue to operate.

According to Nepal’s health ministry, the death toll from the protests has risen to 30 with over 1,000 individuals injured. Prohibitory orders remain in effect in Kathmandu and surrounding areas for much of the day, although international flights continue to operate.

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The protests primarily driven by young people, have been dubbed the “Gen Z” protests reflecting widespread frustration with the government’s handling of corruption and economic opportunities.

Protestors are advocating for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to serve as interim prime minister, as stated by Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association Ramen Kurma Karna, who consulted with the demonstrators. “When they requested me, I accepted”, Karki told CNN-News18.

The unrest saw government buildings including the supreme court and the residences of ministers set ablaze, with significant damage reported in the tourist town of Pokhara and the Hilton hotel in Kathmandu. The situation only began to calm after the prime minister’s resignation.

negotiations

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Interim Government

kathmandu

social media ban

Nepal army

Gen Z activists

Nepal's health ministry