The death toll from Nepal’s Gen Z-led protests has risen to 34, with more than 1,368 people injured across the country, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Population and reported by The Himalayan Times.
Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki said that of the injured, 949 have been discharged after treatment, while 192 remain hospitalised at facilities including the Trauma Centre, Civil Service Hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College, and Birendra Military Hospital.
Amid the escalating crisis, a high-level meeting is scheduled at the President’s House on Friday. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, and leaders of the CPN (Maoist Centre) are expected to participate in discussions on the nation’s political transition.
The unrest intensified after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned earlier this week under pressure from mass demonstrations. At a press conference on Thursday, protest leaders unanimously endorsed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their nominee for interim Prime Minister, praising her reputation for integrity and independence.
Gen Z leaders have framed the movement as a stand against “institutionalised corruption and political stagnation.” “We are staging this movement against corruption, as it is rampant,” said Diwakar Dangal, one of the leading figures. Another youth leader, Junal Gadal, described Karki as “the best option as guardian of the country” during the transition.
Protests, which began on September 8 after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms citing tax and cybersecurity concerns, have spread across major cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj. Authorities have imposed curfews in several districts to control the unrest, with restrictions expected to continue through Saturday morning.
Leaders of the movement stress that they are not seeking to replace the constitution but want amendments to strengthen transparency and accountability. They also pledged to move toward elections within six months if their demands are met.
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has publicly backed Karki, further consolidating her status as the Gen Z movement’s preferred leader.
Public anger has also been fuelled by social media trends exposing the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children, intensifying resentment over corruption and inequality.
