Curfew Imposed in Kathmandu as Protests Grow Over Deadly Crackdown on Gen Z Demonstrators
The Nepalese government has reimposed a curfew in Kathmandu Valley following ongoing protests after a violent crackdown on Gen Z demonstrators left at least 19 people dead. The curfew was announced early Tuesday and affects key areas in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
Tensions have been rising since Monday’s deadly incident. In response, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, and the government quietly lifted its ban on social media without an official notice. On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari also resigned, saying he could not continue in office after witnessing the state’s use of violence. He warned the country may be heading toward a totalitarian system.
The protests, mostly led by young people, have spread throughout Kathmandu and beyond, despite the curfew. People have also taken to social media, calling the current administration a “Murderer Government.”
The District Administration Offices (DAOs) in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur have banned public gatherings, rallies, processions, and sit-ins. In Kathmandu, movement has been restricted from 8:30 AM onwards. Authorities are especially targeting entry points into central city areas to block more people from joining the protests.
However, essential service vehicles—including ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, healthcare vehicles, tourist transport, journalists, human rights workers, diplomats, and passengers with flight tickets—are allowed to move during curfew hours.
The DAOs in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur issued similar curfews and restrictions, citing risks of riots and threats to public peace.
On Monday night, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that “unwanted groups” had joined the protest and were responsible for the violence.
Meanwhile, several foreign embassies in Kathmandu—including those of the US, UK, Germany, Japan, France, and others—issued a joint statement urging calm, restraint, and respect for human rights.
The situation remains tense, and protests are expected to continue despite the government’s efforts to suppress them.
