Wife of Ex-Nepali PM Burned Alive, Gen Z Revolt Engulfs Country

‘Violence is not the answer,’ says UN Human Rights Commissioner

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that “violence is not the answer” as he urges Nepal’s security forces to show restraint as the protests look ready to roll into their third day.

“I am appalled by escalating violence in #Nepal, which has left many young protesters dead or injured. Reports of the disproportionate use of force by the authorities need to be urgently investigated. Dialogue – not violence – is the way forward,” Türk said on X.

Gen Z protesters says they want ‘mass resignations’ in government

Gen Z protester, Pabit Tandukar, was among those injured when demonstrators clashed with armed police on Monday.

The student, 22, was protesting outside the Nepalese parliament building in Kathmandu when he was shot in the leg by a copper bullet.

“We were there for a peaceful protest. They were initially firing tear gas at us and we were pushing back. Suddenly, I was shot,” Tandukar told Al Jazeera.

Tandukar, who was rushed to a local hospital, said that he and other protesters wanted to see “mass resignations” in the wake of the protests.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has already stepped down, as has Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Soldiers, police seen confronting protesters in Kathmandu Tuesday

Soldiers and armed police seen confronting protesters in Kathmandu on Tuesday evening.

Patrols of security forces forced some protesters to their knees and ordered them to cross their hands behind their heads.

The confrontations come after Monday’s clash led to the deaths of 19 people.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Nepali military said it was sending troops into the city to restore order.

At least ten countries sign statement affirming support for peaceful assembly in Nepal

The United States, the United Kingdom, France and Japan are among at least ten nations who have signed a statement affirming support for peaceful assembly in Nepal.

Germany, Norway and Switzerland all signed the statement confirming “strong support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression” in Nepal.

U.N. human rights chief, Volker Türk, has demanded an investigation into the deaths and violence during the clash between protesters and police on Monday.

The U.N.’s office in Nepal has said that law enforcement’s response to demonstrations must always remain “in line with international human rights standards.”

The U.N. said that Nepal would benefit from taking “concrete steps to address the root causes of issues raised.”

Nepal deploys military in Kathmandu as protests escalate

In the early hours of Tuesday, heavily armed soldiers and police took to the streets of Kathmandu following a government order to restore order amid intensifying protests. Troops encircled demonstrators in several districts, with eyewitnesses reporting that some were forced to kneel with hands behind their heads.

The deployment came just two hours after the Nepali military publicly announced its intervention, marking a sharp escalation in the government’s response to days of unrest. Protesters, many of them young men, had earlier erected roadblocks using burning tires and brandished sticks at passing vehicles.

The move follows widespread demonstrations triggered by a controversial social media ban and growing public anger over corruption. With Nepal’s army known for its strict enforcement, the presence of troops signals a more forceful approach to quelling dissent.

Death toll rises to 22, with more than 200 injured

At least 22 people have died in the Gen Z-led protests across Nepal.

Around 19 people were killed in the clash between security forces and demonstrators on Monday.

Another three died in hospital on Tuesday. It’s not clear if they died from injuries sustained today or yesterday.

Another 200 injured people were admitted to Nepal’s Civil Service Hospital on Tuesday.

Nepal urging people to donate blood to help the wounded

Nepal’s Health Ministry is urging people to donate blood to help the wounded as the deadly protests rage on.

Hundreds were injured in a clash on Monday between protesters and security forces. At one point, security forces opened fire with live ammunition on the demonstrators, as well as using non-lethal methods such as rubber bullets and water cannons.

People can donate at Nepal’s central blood bank, in Kathmandu, and local hospitals, according to the state-run newspaper Rising Nepal.

WATCH: Newsweek Explains – The violent anti-government protests in Nepal

US embassy in Nepal warns Kathmandu has issued a curfew

The American Embassy in Nepal has warned that the local government in the capital of Kathmandu has announced a curfew amid violent anti-government protests across the country.

Visitors and locals will be barred from gathering, protesting or assembling in much of the center of the city and surrounding wards.

“Please avoid crowds, consider alternate routes/times to avoid potential disruptions, and stay alert for changing conditions,” the embassy said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy said it will remain open but routine consular operations have been cancelled for Tuesday afternoon.

“All applicants who had appointments scheduled for this afternoon will be rescheduled at a further date. Please refer to our visa scheduling website for more information,” the embassy added.

Read the full list of locations under curfew here.

Why are people protesting in Nepal?

The demonstrations—called the protest of Gen Z—began after the government blocked platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, saying the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight.

But they spiraled to reflect broader discontent about a lack of opportunities and corruption.

In particular, many young people are angry that the children of political leaders—so-called Nepo Kids—seem to enjoy luxury lifestyles and numerous advantages while most youth struggle to find work.

With youth unemployment running at about 20 percent last year, according to the World Bank, the government estimates that more than 2,000 young people leave the country every day to seek work in the Middle East or southeast Asia.

This post uses reporting by The Associated Press.

Kathmandu mayor calls on Gen Z to “lead the nation”

Kathmandu’s Mayor Balen Shah urged Gen Z to “remain disciplined” and said it is their time to “lead the nation”.

“We had clearly said this: this movement belongs entirely to Gen Z,” Shah said in a statement posted to social media, translated into English.

“Dear Gen Z, your sacrifice has already brought about resignations. Now, it is time to remain disciplined!!

“The loss of the nation’s people is our collective loss of property. You and we must now be disciplined.

“From now on, your generation itself must lead the nation. Be ready!

“Also, be prepared to hold talks with the Army Chief. But remember—before talks, the parliament must be dissolved.”

Vivid images show chaos of Nepal unrest

Nepali Army appeals to young protesters to be responsible

In a statement posted to social media, the Nepali Army appealed to young protesters to “act responsibly, remain disciplined” as the disorder spiralled out of control.

The statement, translated into English, said:

“The Nepali Army has always been committed to protecting Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, geographical integrity, freedom, national unity, and the safety of the Nepali people.

“In the current situation as well, the Nepali Army continues to remain steadfast in this responsibility. The Nepali Army has been closely monitoring the recent tragic incidents that have taken place in Nepal.

“In these incidents, precious lives of citizens have been lost, and irreparable damage has been caused.

“The Nepali Army expresses its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives while wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“Dedicated to the security and welfare of Nepal and the Nepali people, the Nepali Army reiterates its unwavering commitment to national defense, security, and stability even in such challenging times.

“The institution firmly believes that safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and unity requires mutual trust, cooperation, and harmony among all.

“Therefore, in this difficult period, the Nepali Army sincerely appeals to the entire youth community and all patriotic citizens of Nepal to act responsibly, remain disciplined, and contribute collectively toward strengthening national unity.”

Former Nepali PM and foreign minister wife attacked

Another former Nepali prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, who is the serving foreign minister, were also attacked at their home amid the protests.

They had to be escorted to safety by the army. Video footage shared on social media showed a bloody Deuba after the attack.