The death toll from the September 8 protest led by Gen-Z in Nepal has increased to 30, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Population on Wednesday evening.
The Health Ministry’s release revealed that nationwide, 1,033 people have been injured. Of these, 713 have been discharged, 55 were referred for additional treatment, and 253 remain hospitalized.
In Kathmandu, the Civil Service Hospital is managing the most cases, treating 436 individuals. The National Trauma Centre is caring for 161, and Everest Hospital is treating 109. Altogether, 28 hospitals throughout Nepal are providing care to the affected, the ministry reported.
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The Health Ministry has mobilized emergency services to handle the influx of patients and instructed hospitals to stay on high alert.
On September 8, thousands of Nepali youths protested in Kathmandu, demanding transparency and the lifting of the social media ban. The then KP Sharma Oli-led government defended the ban as a measure to prevent fake news, but it faced criticism from rights groups who saw it as censorship.
Protesters, mainly students, expressed broader grievances over limited economic opportunities and ongoing corruption. At least 19 people were killed nationwide in a single day, with hundreds more injured.
Under the Gen-Z Nepal banner, protesters experienced a shooting spree by security forces as they attempted to storm the parliament. Police used live rounds and tear gas against them.
In Kathmandu, the protest march moved from Maitighar to New Baneshwar, aiming to enter the Parliament building. The NHRC stated that Nepal’s Constitution and international human rights laws guarantee the right to peaceful protest, calling the escalation to violence and excessive force by security “regrettable.”
The commission urged the government to implement strong security measures to prevent further harm, provide relief and compensation to the victims’ families, ensure free medical care for the injured, and conduct a fair investigation to hold those responsible accountable. Protesters were also encouraged to keep demonstrations peaceful and orderly.
