The death toll from violent clashes between police and protesters during the `Gen G` movement in Nepal has risen to 14, according to The Himalayan Times, citing medical sources from multiple hospitals in Kathmandu.
In addition to the fatalities, more than 100 people, including protesters, journalists, and security personnel, have sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals across the capital. Medical officials report that the condition of several of the injured remains critical, with many requiring intensive care.
Hospitals have been overwhelmed by the influx of patients. Among the deceased, six died at the National Trauma Center, three at Civil Hospital, three at Everest Hospital, one at Kathmandu Medical College, and one at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
The exact number of injured remains unclear as medical facilities continue to receive new cases. With emergency wards at Civil Hospital and the National Trauma Center operating beyond capacity, authorities have begun transferring some patients to other healthcare facilities to manage the strain.
The unrest erupted as part of the youth-led `Gen G` movement, which has called for political reform, an end to corruption, and the lifting of the government’s ban on social media platforms. Demonstrations turned violent when protesters attempted to breach restricted zones near government buildings, prompting a heavy-handed response from security forces involving tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition.
The escalating crisis has sparked national outrage and growing calls for an independent investigation into the use of lethal force. Meanwhile, hospitals across Kathmandu remain on high alert as the situation continues to unfold.
Mohan Chandra Regmi, Executive Director of Civil Hospital, confirmed that two of the deceased were brought in with severe injuries sustained during the confrontation near Parliament. "They were in critical condition upon arrival and could not be saved despite intensive efforts," Regmi said.
A senior doctor at the National Trauma Centre told The Kathmandu Post that four other protesters died from gunshot wounds sustained during the unrest. "Ten others are in critical condition with bullet injuries to the head and chest. They are currently under intensive care," the doctor added.
Dozens of injured demonstrators were rushed to hospitals across the capital, including Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, and the Trauma Centre, overwhelming medical staff.
The protests, largely driven by young citizens frustrated with systemic corruption, unemployment, and internet censorship, began peacefully but turned violent after police blocked access to the parliamentary complex. Protesters accuse the government of suppressing free speech by imposing a nationwide ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, which has remained in place for several weeks.
In the aftermath of the violence, the Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew in key areas of the capital to restore order. Security forces, including the Nepal Army, have been deployed across central Kathmandu to enforce the curfew and prevent further unrest.
Demonstrations have since spread to other major cities, including Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Bharatpur, raising fears of a nationwide escalation.
The government has yet to issue a formal statement, but opposition leaders and human rights organisations have called for an independent investigation into the use of lethal force. UN Human Rights Office in Nepal urged authorities to exercise restraint and ensure the right to peaceful assembly is upheld.
As tensions remain high, Kathmandu is under a tense calm, with internet services still restricted and families mourning the young lives lost in the push for transparency and digital freedom.
Source: Kathmandu Post
