Nepal has plunged into its worst unrest in decades after Gen Z youth protests against corruption and a social media ban turned violent, killing 72 people and injuring hundreds.
University student Aditya Rawal, 22, was shot while helping his injured friend outside parliament. “I thought raising my hands would stop them, but I was their target,” he said from his hospital bed.
The protests began on September 8 after the government banned social media platforms. Anger over corruption and economic hardship quickly escalated the demonstrations. Protesters torched parliament and key offices, forcing Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to resign. The army then regained control of Kathmandu.
On Friday, former chief justice Sushila Karki, 73, took oath as interim prime minister. She must now steer Nepal to elections within six months.
Civil Service Hospital treated 458 injured protesters, most of them under 30. Nurse Usha Khanal recalled her gloves “drenched in blood” as tear gas seeped into the wards. Despite severe injuries, protesters like Subash Dhakal said they felt proud of their role.
With one in five Nepali youth unemployed, young voices continue to demand transparency, jobs, and an end to corruption.
