Chaos Erupts in Nepal as Soldiers Enforce Curfew Amid Protest Violence

Tue Sep 30 2025 05:12:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In Kathmandu, armed soldiers maintain order as protests against government actions turn violent. The unrest, sparked by social media bans and police killings, calls attention to widespread discontent among the youth.

Armed soldiers are on the streets of Kathmandu enforcing a curfew after violent protests erupted against the Nepalese government. Demonstrators, particularly young people, are voicing their discontent over recent social media bans and police violence that resulted in multiple fatalities. The protests highlight deep grievances regarding government corruption and youth unemployment, with many feeling marginalized in a system favoring political elites. Calls for peaceful resolution are being made as the government struggles to manage the escalating situation.

KATHMANDU, Nepal — Armed soldiers were deployed in the streets of Kathmandu, as the government enforced a curfew following violent protests that erupted earlier this week. The demonstrations began in response to the government’s social media ban, which angered many residents, particularly younger generations who felt silenced.

Initially sparked by the blocking of several popular social media platforms, the protests morphed into a larger movement expressing frustration over long-standing issues, including widespread corruption and political inequity. Reports indicate that the unrest led to the police opening fire on protestors, resulting in 19 fatalities, which further fueled anger across the capital.

By Wednesday, soldiers armed with rifles patrolled key areas, providing a semblance of order in a city plagued by chaos and destruction. The army reported that it had arrested 21 individuals suspected of looting amidst the turmoil.

The immediate catalyst for the protests—a social media ban—was lifted, yet dissent continued as demonstrators expressed outrage over the deaths and persistent allegations of political corruption. President Ram Chandra Poudel urged for peaceful negotiations following the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who is tasked with leading a caretaker government during this volatile period.

Young protesters, branding the demonstrations as a call for Gen Z activism, condemned the violence, aiming to highlight systemic issues within Nepali society. The protests revealed societal rifts, particularly surrounding issues of nepotism, high youth unemployment rates, and the stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyles of political elites and the struggles of average citizens.

The government is under pressure not only to address the immediate unrest but also to rethink its policies surrounding social media regulation, which many critics view as a move toward censorship. As the situation develops, the citizens of Nepal continue to demand accountability and reform, echoing broader sentiments shared across the globe in today’s fight for democratic rights and freedoms.