KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 9 — The Gen Z-led movement against government corruption and the recent social media ban has intensified nationwide, sparking violent clashes, injuries, and the imposition of multiple curfews across Nepal on Tuesday.
In Kathmandu, protesters targeted the residences of top political leaders, including CPN-MC chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Demonstrators hurled stones and set fires near these locations, escalating tensions in the capital.
In Makwanpur, large rallies erupted in Hetauda and Manahari Bazaar, where protesters blocked the East-West Highway by burning tires, severely disrupting traffic. Authorities deployed additional security forces to restore order.
In Sarlahi, protesters attacked and torched political party offices in Malangwa, including those of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, in retaliation for police action during Monday’s demonstrations.
In Koshi Province, demonstrators gathered outside the Provincial Assembly Secretariat at Devkota Chowk, setting tires ablaze and demanding government accountability. Security has been tightened as unrest spreads across Biratnagar and Morang.
In the Far-West Province, crowds stormed the Chief Minister’s Office, vandalizing vehicles belonging to Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah.
Curfews Enforced Nationwide
To contain the growing turmoil, authorities have declared curfews in several regions:
- Kathmandu & Lalitpur: Curfew imposed in key areas including Bhaisepati, Sanepa, Chyasal, and central Kathmandu, restricting public gatherings and movement without authorization.
- Kavrepalanchok: A district-wide curfew began at 12:15 PM, with highways completely shut down following violent incidents.
- Koshi Province (Biratnagar, Morang): Curfew enforced from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, covering areas from Nepal Rastra Bank (East) to Koshi Hospital Chowk (West), Roadshesh Chowk (North), and Jatuwa Chowk (South).
- Birgunj, Parsa: Curfew extended from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM across the market area, bounded by Bypass Road (East), Sirsia Bridge (West), Gandak Chowk (North), and Shankaracharya Gate (South).
The protests, sparked by deep frustrations over corruption and restrictions on freedom of expression, have now engulfed nearly every major region of Nepal, placing the government under mounting pressure to address the demands of its youngest generation.
