Kathmandu: Large protests erupted in Kathmandu and several other cities in Nepal on September 8, 2025, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and police. At least 19 people were killed when police attempted to disperse the crowds, with 17 fatalities occurring in the capital city alone. The following day, numerous Nepalese ministers, including Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, resigned amid escalating violence. Over two days, the death toll reached at least 72, with 191 individuals still hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the protests, as per government figures released on September 14.
According to France24.com, the protests were sparked by the government’s announcement on September 4 to shut down approximately 20 social media platforms. This decision followed a Supreme Court ruling requiring social media platforms to appoint local representatives, a move perceived as censorship. The resulting blockade of popular platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube fueled public discontent, leading to widespread demonstrations.
The social media ban acted as a catalyst, but deep-seated issues such as corruption and unemployment were at the heart of the protests. Meenakshi Ganguly from Human Rights Watch explained that online campaigns had been highlighting these issues, which may have prompted the government’s regulatory actions. Despite varying narratives from different media outlets, protesters maintained that their actions were a stand against government corruption and inefficiency.
Initially intended as a peaceful demonstration, the protest quickly turned violent. Witnesses, including Nepalese journalist Sahana Vajracharya, reported that police used water cannons, tear gas, and eventually live ammunition against protesters near the parliament. Videos verified by platforms like X showed serious injuries, often targeting the head and torso, raising concerns about the use of excessive force.
Human Rights Watch confirmed that the use of live ammunition violated legal standards for crowd control, as such measures should aim to minimize harm. The use of military-grade ammunition, identified as 7.62×51 mm calibre, posed a significant risk due to its lethality, especially at close range. Eyewitness accounts described police aiming at chest level, leading to numerous fatalities.
The protest drew a diverse crowd, including many young people and schoolchildren, some wearing uniforms. Despite initial attempts to control the crowd with non-lethal measures, the situation escalated, resulting in severe casualties. The government imposed a curfew on September 9, but unrest continued, with attacks on public buildings and officials’ homes.
As the army took control of Kathmandu, the situation stabilized, but tensions remained high. The UN has called for an urgent investigation into the deaths, emphasizing that freedom of expression and assembly are protected rights under both Nepalese and international law. The events have highlighted the fragile state of democracy and governance in Nepal, calling for significant reforms to address public grievances.