Kathmandu, Sep 9: The Nepal government on Tuesday reimposed curfew across the Kathmandu Valley as sporadic protests continued following Monday’s violent crackdown on Gen Z-led demonstrations, which left at least 19 people dead.
In the wake of the unrest, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned from his post. Later, Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ram Nath Adhikari also stepped down, saying he could not remain in office while witnessing “state-sponsored violence.” Adhikari warned that the government’s actions raised questions over whether Nepal was heading towards a totalitarian system.
Local administrations in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur issued prohibitory orders from early morning, restricting movement, rallies, sit-ins, and gatherings. Authorities particularly targeted entry points to core city areas, enforcing curfew inside the Ring Road. Essential services—including ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, vehicles carrying healthcare workers, journalists, tourists, diplomats, and air passengers—were exempted.
The government quietly lifted the controversial ban on 26 social media platforms that had triggered the unrest, though no formal notification was issued.
Anger has continued to mount nationwide, with citizens branding the KP Sharma Oli-led administration a “Murderer Government.” Sporadic protests erupted on Tuesday despite curfews, as outrage spread on social media.
In a late-night statement, Prime Minister Oli blamed “unwanted groups” for infiltrating Monday’s demonstrations and sparking violence. However, his remarks did little to calm public anger.
Meanwhile, several Western embassies—including those of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and others—issued a joint statement urging all parties to exercise restraint, prevent escalation, and safeguard fundamental rights such as peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The situation remains tense across Nepal, with fears of further unrest as the government faces growing criticism at home and abroad over its handling of the crisis.
