Gen-Z protesters storm Nepal’s parliament building, 8 killed

In Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, Gen-Z protesters stormed the Parliament building on Monday, breaking police barricades and scaling the gates in New Baneshwor, despite plans for a peaceful demonstration. They unleashed chaos inside the premises, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons to restore order. Nepali media outlet The Himalayan Times reported that eight people have been killed so far in the clashes.

According to a report, the situation escalated to such an extent that the Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew from 12:30pm to 10pm in Baneshwor and surrounding key areas. The order, signed by Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal, stated that the decision was taken under local administration law.

The curfew zones include: from New Baneshwor Chowk to Bijulibazar Bridge on west, Tinkune Chowk on the east, Ratna Rajya Secondary School adjacent to Iplex Mall on north to Shankhamul Bridge on south.

Gen-Z youths, born between 1997 and 2012, have been protesting in cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Biratnagar against government corruption and the decision to ban 26 social media platforms. In New Baneshwor, some protesters were seen climbing into the police guardhouse, after which security forces fired tear gas. Authorities are currently working to remove demonstrators from the Parliament building.