Kathmandu, 8 Sep: During the Gen Z protest, police gunfire has so far resulted in the deaths of 18 people. The firing occurred during protests centered in Baneshwar. Among the deceased, seven died at the Trauma Center, three at Everest Hospital, two at Civil Hospital, one at Tribhuvan Teaching Hospital, and one at KMC. More than 256 people are receiving treatment at various hospitals: 100 at Civil, 50 at Trauma, 20 at Everest, 35 at KMC, 7 at Bir, and 4 at Patan Hospital.
According to Anil Adhikari of Everest Hospital, four patients are in critical condition there. Dr. Dipendra Pandey of the Trauma Center stated that 10 patients are in critical condition, with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Police used water cannons, tear gas, and gunfire against the protesters. The injured are receiving treatment at hospitals including Trauma, Civil, and Everest.
The Gen Z protesters took to the streets to oppose the government’s social media ban and corruption. Demonstrations are ongoing in Kathmandu as well as major cities across the country.
The government’s justification has ended; Congress must relinquish power immediately
Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has stated that the government’s justification has ended and that Congress must immediately step down. He said that the current KP Oli-led government has carried out repression not seen even during the king’s rule, and that Congress can no longer remain in power.
“Now, it makes no sense for a single Home Minister to resign; Congress must separate itself from the government. We should not remain in this government even for a moment,” Koirala told Kantipur.
Koirala also said that the government’s decision to block social media, which falls under the tax net, was merely to cover up its unpopular actions.
“The government’s indiscriminate firing on the peaceful protests led by Gen Z reflects actions not even seen during the king’s regime. This step represents the height of authoritarianism and tyranny. The demands of Gen Z must be fulfilled immediately,” Koirala stated. “Corruption is an issue affecting ordinary citizens today. If this path is not addressed, the country could face another conflict.”
Recently, in Itahari as well, police gunfire has killed 2 protesters.
