Nepal Grapples with Protests: Death Toll Climbs, Negotiations for Interim Leadership Underway

The death toll from the Gen Z protests in Kathmandu Valley has risen to 31, according to officials at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Post-mortem examinations are being conducted. The identities of 25 victims have been initially confirmed. Six individuals remain unidentified. Most identifications were made through documents found at protest sites or by family recognition. Over 1000 people were injured in the protests. The wife of former Nepalese PM Khanal is in critical condition after an arson attack during the demonstrations. Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former PM Jhala Nath Khanal, suffered severe burns when her Kathmandu residence was set on fire. Negotiations are ongoing between the Nepalese Army, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and Gen Z youth representatives to establish an interim government amid the ongoing unrest. Gen Z protest leaders have selected former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their nominee for interim Prime Minister. Talks will begin between Karki’s team and the Army leadership, potentially involving the President’s Office. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ supports Karki’s candidacy. The protests commenced on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities due to the government’s ban on social media platforms. Curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu and other cities, lasting until Friday morning. Protesters are demanding an end to corruption and favouritism, advocating for governmental accountability and transparency. The ‘Nepo Babies’ trend on social media exposed the economic disparity between the elite and ordinary citizens, increasing public frustration.