Nepal Gen-Z Protest Erupts: Smoke, Chaos at Parliament as Youths Clash With Police — Democracy Under Attack?

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Kathmandu, Sept 8, 2025 – Nepal witnessed one of its most turbulent political uprisings in recent years as Generation Z youth (born between 1997–2012) stormed the streets of Kathmandu, turning a peaceful march into a violent confrontation with police outside the federal parliament in New Baneshwar.

What began as a demonstration against corruption, nepotism, and a proposed social media ban quickly spiraled out of control when protesters attempted to break through police barricades and scale the gates of the parliament complex.

Smoke, Tear Gas & Curfew

The clash escalated as police resorted to tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges to disperse the crowd. A chilling scene unfolded with smoke and chaos engulfing the area, stunning onlookers and raising alarms about the state of Nepal’s democracy.

According to reports, a young protester was shot and later died during treatment at Civil Hospital. More than 80 others were injured, some critically.

In response, the Kathmandu District Administration imposed an emergency curfew from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM across key areas including New Baneshwar Chowk, Bijulibzar Bridge, Min Bhawan, Shantinagar, Tinkun Chowk, Ratna State Secondary School, and Shankhamul Bridge. The order was enforced under Section 6(A) of the Local Administration Act, 2028.

Voices of a Disillusioned Generation

The protests, led by Nepal’s Gen-Z, reflect a growing sense of political frustration and disappointment among youth. Their anger is fueled by two main triggers:

  1. Corruption and nepotism deeply entrenched in Nepal’s political system.

  2. Government attempts to ban social media, seen as an assault on freedom of expression.

Demonstrators carried placards demanding accountability and transparency, chanting slogans that echoed across Kathmandu’s streets.

Movement Spreads Beyond the Capital

The uprising was not limited to Kathmandu. Youth-led rallies and marches also erupted in:

  • Pokhara

  • Butwal

  • Biratnagar

In these cities, too, thousands took to the streets, defying police warnings and expressing solidarity with the capital’s protesters.

Parliament Under Siege

From Maitighar Mandala to Baneshwar, protesters marched with slogans and flags, determined to make their voices heard. But when attempts were made to breach the heavily guarded parliament gates, chaos ensued. Some youths were seen climbing onto guard posts, forcing police to escalate their response.

The administration has termed the situation “highly stressful”, with fears that the protests may intensify in the coming days. Organizers have already declared that this is “not a one-day movement”, promising continued agitation until their demands are addressed.

⚠️ The Nepal Gen-Z protest has now become a defining moment in the country’s political landscape — a clash between an impatient, digital-native generation and a government struggling to maintain control.

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