On 8/9, Pabit Tandukar was chanting anti-government slogans outside the parliament building in Kathmandu when he felt a sharp pain in his leg and collapsed. The 22-year-old student was rushed to the hospital where doctors confirmed he had been shot.

"We were there for a peaceful protest. They initially used tear gas, and we resisted. Then, I was shot with live ammunition," Tandukar recounted.

At least 20 people were killed and hundreds injured when Nepalese security forces, initially using rubber bullets and tear gas, resorted to live ammunition to suppress protests by tens of thousands, mostly Gen Z youth (born between 1997 and 2012).

Smoke rises from Singha Durbar, which houses Nepal's government ministries and offices, in Kathmandu on 9/9. Photo: AP

Smoke rises from Singha Durbar, which houses Nepal's government ministries and offices, in Kathmandu on 9/9. Photo: AP

The protests erupted amid growing criticism of the Nepalese government over corruption and officials and their relatives living lavishly while the population struggles with a per capita income of less than 1,400 USD per year.

The government's ban the previous week on 26 social media platforms, including popular apps like Facebook, X, and YouTube, further fueled the unrest. While officials explained the ban was to prevent impersonation for spreading misinformation, committing crimes, or disrupting social harmony, it did little to quell the growing anger.

Initially peaceful, the demonstrations quickly turned violent as protesters clashed with police. Some protesters were shot while wearing school uniforms.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew in the area, while the Nepalese government deployed the army. Armed forces also entered a hospital near the parliament building, arresting protesters, firing tear gas, and causing chaos.

"The security forces should not have used live ammunition against students," Tandukar said.

Anil Baniya, a member of Hami Nepal, agreed. "Under no circumstances should they have used live rounds. They murdered young people," Baniya stated.

Among the dead was Sulov Raj Shrestha, a civil engineering student in Kathmandu. "He was always smiling and friendly," said Sudhoj Jung Kunwar, a friend of Shrestha.

Both the UN Human Rights Office and Amnesty International condemned the killings and called for a transparent investigation into the violent protests in Nepal.

A protester holding a Nepalese flag stands in front of a burned police station in Kathmandu on 9/9. Photo: AP

A protester holding a Nepalese flag stands in front of a burned police station in Kathmandu on 9/9. Photo: AP

Minister of Information and Communications Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the lifting of the social media ban on the night of 8/9. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned the same day, followed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli a day later. However, the thousands of young people protesting in Kathmandu and other Nepalese cities demand more.

"We want to replace the current old leaders. We are tired of the same old faces," said Yugant Ghimire, a 27-year-old AI engineer who participated in the 8/9 protest. "The government is abusing its power, corruption is rampant, and no one is held accountable."

The protests have garnered support from some Nepalese politicians, including Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah. "I didn't attend the protest due to the age limit, but it's important to understand their message. I fully support them," Shah posted on social media.

The protesters have issued a list of "non-negotiable" demands: dissolving parliament, suspending the officials who ordered the shooting of protesters, and holding new elections. Baniya, a protest leader, said their movement will continue "indefinitely" until their demands are met.

"Now we have a responsibility to fulfill the expectations of our friends who died. We need to change the government; we want these officials out. This is our country," Baniya declared.

Thanh Tam (According to Al Jazeera, AP, Reuters)