19 Dead, 347 Injured in Gen-Z Protest; Home Minister Lekhak Resigns; UN Urges Protection of Democratic Rights

Kathmandu, September 8 – The death toll from Monday’s Gen-Z protests has risen to 19, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. Figures compiled from hospitals across the country confirm the fatalities, while 347 people are receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the demonstrations.

The ministry reported that fatalities occurred at several hospitals: three at Civil Hospital, eight at the National Trauma Center, three at Everest Hospital, two at KMC Hospital, one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, and two at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.

UN Calls for Protection of Democratic Rights

The United Nations has urged Nepal to ensure citizens’ democratic rights are safeguarded. UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, made the appeal via social media platform X.

“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and ensure that citizens can safely and peacefully exercise their democratic rights,” she wrote. Expressing sorrow over the deaths and injuries during the protests, she also extended condolences to the affected families.

Government Forms Probe Committee

Following the violent escalation of the protests, the government has decided to form an investigation committee. A cabinet meeting held Monday evening endorsed the decision, according to a minister.

The committee has been tasked with submitting its report within 15 days. Names of the members are expected to be made public by Tuesday morning.

The Gen-Z protesters had staged demonstrations in Kathmandu and other major cities on Monday, primarily demanding action against corruption.

Home Minister Lekhak Resigns

In the aftermath of the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation. According to a minister present at the cabinet meeting, Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday evening.

Lekhak cited moral responsibility for the tragic incident, which claimed 19 lives and left hundreds injured. Earlier, during a party meeting, he had also indicated that he would step down on ethical grounds.