Nepal’s Gen Z protest turns deadly: 14 Killed as Oli-Led coalition government uses excessive force

KATHMANDU: Nepal has been plunged into one of its darkest political chapters in recent history as the government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in coalition with the Nepali Congress, has unleashed brutal force against young protesters of the Gen Z movement. By the latest count, at least 14 people have been killed in Kathmandu, sparking national outrage and international condemnation over what rights groups describe as “state-sponsored violence.”

The protest, fueled by growing frustration among Nepal’s youth over corruption, unemployment, and authoritarian governance, escalated dramatically near the New Baneshwor-based Parliament building. Security forces opened fire and used heavy force to disperse demonstrators who had breached the parliamentary compound. According to police sources, one protester died inside the Parliament grounds, while 13 others succumbed to injuries after being rushed to hospitals across the capital.

Casualties Spread Across Kathmandu Hospitals

The violence has overwhelmed Kathmandu’s medical system. The National Trauma Center reported six deaths, while Everest Hospital near New Baneshwor confirmed three fatalities. Civil Hospital also registered three deaths, and one death each was reported at KMC in Sinamangal and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj.

Doctors described chaotic scenes as hospitals struggled to manage a flood of injured protesters and security personnel. “We are facing an extreme crisis. Dozens are severely wounded, and the death toll may rise,” a doctor at Civil Hospital said. The facility has been forced to transfer patients to other hospitals due to excessive pressure.

Security forces, including Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, are also reported to have suffered casualties, though their numbers have not been disclosed.

Government Blamed for Authoritarian Crackdown

The killings have intensified criticism of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government, which has been accused of embracing increasingly authoritarian tactics since forming a coalition with the Nepali Congress. Analysts argue the fragile coalition has prioritized political survival over democratic accountability, leading to a “fascist-style governance model” that relies on fear and force rather than dialogue.

Particular criticism has been directed at Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, a senior leader from the Nepali Congress, who holds direct responsibility for security forces. Opposition leaders and human rights defenders have accused him of authorizing “deadly repression” rather than restraint.

“The use of excessive force to silence young protesters is a crime against democracy,” said a Kathmandu-based political analyst. “This government has blood on its hands. Instead of listening to the voices of frustrated youth, it has turned its guns on them.”

Gen Z Movement and Rising Anger

The Gen Z protest, largely led by students and young professionals, has become a symbol of defiance against Nepal’s entrenched political elite. Protesters accuse the government of deep-rooted corruption, nepotism, and failing to provide economic opportunities in a country where youth unemployment remains among the highest in South Asia.

International observers warn that the violent crackdown could tarnish Nepal’s image globally, weaken its already fragile investment climate, and push the nation further into political instability. “Global investors are watching. The killings raise red flags about Nepal’s governance and rule of law,” one foreign policy analyst noted.

International Condemnation Looms

Human rights organizations have started documenting evidence of live ammunition, tear gas, and excessive baton charges used against unarmed protesters. Calls are mounting for international accountability. Diplomatic missions in Kathmandu are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with fears that Nepal’s democratic trajectory is slipping into authoritarianism.

Global watchdogs emphasize that Nepal, once celebrated for its democratic transition, now risks isolation if the government continues its violent response. Comparisons are being drawn to crackdowns in authoritarian regimes across Asia, where state-led violence has stifled democratic freedoms and destroyed investor confidence.

Uncertain Road Ahead

As of Monday morning, authorities have yet to release the identities of those killed. Police teams are moving across hospitals to document casualties. Meanwhile, protesters have vowed to continue demonstrations, setting the stage for prolonged unrest.

“The government can kill us, but it cannot kill our movement,” said one young protester outside Civil Hospital. “We are fighting for our future, and we will not be silenced.”

With 14 dead and scores injured, Nepal stands at a dangerous crossroads. The coalition government’s reliance on violence to suppress dissent has ignited a firestorm of criticism at home and abroad. Unless meaningful dialogue replaces brute force, analysts warn, the Oli-led administration risks pushing the country into deeper turmoil — a scenario that could permanently scar Nepal’s democratic journey and global competitiveness.