1 killed over Facebook, YouTube ban as Gen-Z protestors storm Nepal parliament

A large-scale youth protest took a dramatic turn in Kathmandu on Monday, as "Gen Z" demonstrators stormed the Federal Parliament premises in New Baneshwor. The protest, which had been building momentum, was initially organized to be peaceful but quickly escalated when thousands of youths, fed up with rampant corruption and a recent ban on several social media platforms, broke through police barricades and climbed over the compound's gates.

The protesters' actions prompted a swift and forceful response from law enforcement. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the agitated crowd, which had breached a restricted security area. The clashes transformed the area around the parliament building into a tense zone of confrontation, highlighting the deep-seated frustration among the country's youth.

In light of the escalating violence and the risk of further unrest, the Kathmandu District Administration imposed a curfew. The curfew, ordered by Kathmandu's Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal, was put into effect from 12:30 pm to 10 pm on Monday to bring the situation under control and prevent any further clashes or property damage. The decision was made under the authority of Section 6 of the Local Administration Act.

The curfew order covers a wide and crucial area of the city. It extends from New Baneshwar Chowk westward to the Everest Hotel and the Bijulibazar Arch Bridge. Similarly, the eastern boundary of the curfew zone runs from New Baneshwar Chowk via Min Bhawan and Shantinagar to Tinkune Chowk.

The security measures also affect key north-south routes. The curfew applies from New Baneshwar Chowk northward through Eyeplex Mall to Ratna Rajya Secondary School. Southward, the curfew is in effect from New Baneshwar Chowk via Shankhamul to the Shankhamul Bridge. These restrictions effectively sealed off a large portion of the city's central area.