Nepal Gen Z Protests: Death Toll Reaches 31 Amidst Talks for Interim Government

The death toll from the ongoing Gen Z protests in the Kathmandu Valley has tragically climbed to 31, according to officials at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital’s Department of Forensic Medicine, where the deceased are being examined. Preliminary confirmations have identified 25 victims. The remaining six individuals, comprising five men and one woman, are yet to be identified. Authorities have noted that the majority of identifications were made through documents found at the protest sites or by family members. More than 1000 individuals have been injured in the protests across the region. In related developments, the wife of Former Nepalese PM Khanal is currently in a critical condition following an arson attack during the violent demonstrations. Despite initial reports of her death, Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former PM and senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhala Nath Khanal, is battling severe burns after the incident, which occurred when demonstrators set fire to her residence in Kathmandu while she was still inside. Negotiations are underway between the Nepalese Army, Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel, and representatives of the Gen Z youth to determine the leadership of an interim government. The Gen Z protest leaders have chosen Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their unanimous nominee for the interim Prime Minister position. These talks are set to commence between Karki’s team and the Army leadership, with the potential to involve the President’s Office. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has also voiced support for Karki. The protests originated on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, triggered by the government’s ban on major social media platforms. Curfew has been imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to manage the situation, with the Nepalese Army announcing its continuation until Friday morning. Protesters are demanding an end to perceived ‘institutionalised corruption and favouritism’ in governance, advocating for enhanced government accountability and transparency. Public frustration has been exacerbated by the ‘Nepo Babies’ trend on social media, highlighting the economic disparity between politicians’ families and ordinary citizens.