Death Toll in Nepal Protests Rises to 72

At least 72 people have been confirmed dead following a week of violent anti-corruption protests in Nepal, according to an updated toll released by the government on Sunday. The protests, which began as a peaceful demonstration against corruption and internet restrictions, quickly escalated into one of the deadliest waves of unrest the country has witnessed in years.

Government Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal said in a statement that “72 people have died, and 191 people are under treatment” following clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Most of the casualties occurred in Kathmandu and surrounding districts, where police used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds.

How the protests escalated

The protests began last week after the government imposed temporary restrictions on major social media platforms, citing national security concerns and the spread of disinformation. The decision triggered outrage among Nepal’s tech-savvy youth, who accused the government of silencing dissent rather than addressing corruption scandals involving several top officials.

On September 8, thousands of young demonstrators gathered outside the Parliament building in Kathmandu, demanding the government reverse the social media ban and launch a credible anti-corruption drive. Witnesses say the protests were initially peaceful, with demonstrators chanting slogans and waving banners.

However, tensions flared when riot police attempted to disperse the crowd. Clashes quickly erupted, with protesters hurling stones and security forces responding with water cannons, rubber bullets, and live rounds. By nightfall, at least 17 people had been confirmed dead, sparking a nationwide outcry and fueling more protests across major cities including Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Lalitpur.

Interim government under scrutiny

Human rights groups have accused security forces of using excessive force, calling for an independent investigation into the killings. The Nepal Bar Association and several civil society organizations have also demanded that the government engage with protesters rather than suppress their voices.

The crisis has put the newly appointed interim government under immediate pressure. Prime Minister Ramesh Thapa, who assumed office just two weeks ago after a parliamentary vote of no confidence ousted his predecessor, has appealed for calm and pledged to review the social media restrictions.

“We are listening to the voices of our citizens,” Thapa said in a televised address. “The deaths are tragic, and we are committed to ensuring accountability. A high-level inquiry committee will investigate the incidents and submit a report within two weeks.”

Despite the government’s assurances, protests have shown no sign of slowing down. Demonstrators say their demands go beyond internet access, calling for sweeping reforms to address corruption in public institutions, transparency in government spending, and job creation for young people.

Political analysts say the protests reflect deeper frustrations over years of political instability and slow economic growth in the Himalayan nation. Nepal has cycled through more than a dozen governments in the past 15 years, leaving many citizens disillusioned about the political process.

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International observers, including the United Nations Human Rights Office, have urged Nepal to respect the right to peaceful assembly and exercise restraint in handling demonstrations. Neighboring India and China, both major economic partners, have expressed concern about the unrest but stopped short of directly criticizing Kathmandu’s actions.

As the death toll continues to rise, pressure is mounting on the interim administration to take concrete steps to defuse the crisis. Analysts warn that without swift reforms and meaningful dialogue, the protests could deepen Nepal’s political turmoil and further destabilize the fragile government.