The protest movement in Nepal, led by Generation Z, has taken a dramatic and violent turn. What began as a demonstration against government corruption and the ban on social media platforms has now escalated into widespread unrest in the capital, Kathmandu.
In response, authorities have imposed a curfew in various parts of the capital. According to a report by Nepalese media outlet The Kathmandu Post on Monday (September 8), the curfew was implemented after clashes between protesters and police in the New Baneshwor area of Kathmandu.
The unrest began when demonstrators entered restricted zones during a protest organized against government corruption and the ban on social media. Tensions rose quickly, leading to confrontations with security forces.
Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Chhabilal Rizal, announced the curfew under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act. The curfew is in effect from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Monday.
According to the order, the curfew area stretches from New Baneshwor Chowk westward to Everest Hotel and Bijuli Bazaar Arch Bridge, and eastward to Min Bhawan and Shantinagar up to Tinkune Chowk.
Additionally, the northern boundary extends from New Baneshwor Chowk through Iplex Mall to Ratna Rajya Secondary School, and to the south from Shankhamul to Shankhamul Bridge. Movement, public gatherings, protests, and blockades are strictly prohibited in these areas.
Following the clashes with police, the curfew zone has been expanded by the Kathmandu District Administration.
Initially, the curfew was limited to parts of Baneshwor. However, as protesters entered controlled zones, it was extended to include sensitive areas such as the President’s residence in Sheetal Niwas, Maharajgunj, the Vice President’s residence in Lainchaur, the Singha Durbar area (which houses key government offices), the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding regions.
Authorities stated that the curfew expansion was necessary to prevent further unrest and to ensure the security of critical government installations.
Earlier, police had set up barricades, which were broken through by the protesters. In response, police used water cannons and tear gas, while demonstrators hurled branches and water bottles, chanting slogans against the government. Some protestors even managed to enter the premises of the Parliament building in New Baneshwor.
The protest, involving thousands of youths, was triggered by widespread public anger over corruption and a recent government decision to ban 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat.
