Anti-corruption protests in Nepal surged again on Tuesday, with demonstrators pouring into the streets despite an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu. The unrest comes a day after 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured when police clashed with crowds angered by a government ban on social media.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government lifted the ban late Monday after the violence, which saw police fire tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters attempting to storm parliament. But the decision did little to calm public anger.
On Tuesday, groups of demonstrators gathered outside parliament and in other parts of the capital, shouting slogans and burning tires along Kathmandu’s Ring Road. A Reuters witness described scenes of defiance as protesters ignored orders to stay home.
Authorities have shut schools, shops, and all public gatherings in the city under a sweeping curfew. “No protests, mass gatherings, meetings, or assemblies of people will be allowed,” said district administrator Chhabilal Rijal.
Many of the protesters are young people. Organizers have dubbed the movement “demonstrations by Gen Z,” pointing to frustration with corruption and a lack of opportunities in the Himalayan nation. At Maitighar Mandala near the prime minister’s office, protesters staged peaceful sit-ins.
The unrest has already shaken Oli’s government. Two cabinet ministers resigned Monday, saying they could not continue “on moral grounds.” Oli, 73, is serving his fourth term as prime minister since Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008.
Neighboring India, home to hundreds of thousands of Nepali migrant workers, said it is “closely monitoring” the situation. “We hope all concerned will exercise restraint and address issues peacefully through dialogue,” India’s foreign ministry said.
The government originally blocked platforms like Facebook last week, arguing they had failed to register with authorities. “We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” said Communications and IT Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.
Protesters are now calling for nationwide condolence gatherings to honor those killed in Monday’s violence. In Lalitpur district, officials also imposed a curfew until midnight.
Oli expressed sadness over the deaths, blaming “infiltration from different selfish centers” for the violence. He promised compensation for victims’ families, free treatment for the injured, and an investigation within 15 days to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
