Kathmandu – At least 19 people were killed and 422 others injured on Monday after government crackdowns on protests organized by Generation Z (Gen-Z) against social media bans and administrative mismanagement.
According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the death toll reached 19 based on reports collected from hospitals across the country. In Kathmandu, 3 deaths were reported at Civil Hospital, 8 at the National Trauma Center, 3 at Everest Hospital, 2 at KMC Hospital, 1 at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, and 2 at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Outside the capital, 2 protesters were killed by police gunfire in Itahari, Sunsari.
The ministry confirmed that 422 injured people are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals nationwide. The protests, which turned violent in Kathmandu and other cities, saw clashes between demonstrators and security personnel throughout the day.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation on Monday evening, taking political responsibility for the deadly incident. A cabinet minister confirmed that Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during the Council of Ministers meeting. Lekhak had also informed his party meeting earlier that it would be inappropriate to continue in his post given the crisis.
With tensions running high in the capital and beyond, fears remain that further violence and casualties could follow if the situation is not brought under control.
