Nepal Mourns 51 Killed in Anti-Corruption Protests

Grieving families in Kathmandu wept over bodies of loved ones, including young men shot dead in this week’s clashes. The unrest began after the government temporarily banned major social media platforms, sparking widespread anger among Gen Z activists. Amid corruption complaints and economic hardship, protesters demanded justice and reform. They saw the media ban as a symbol of authoritarian control. Meanwhile, families hoped the deaths would not be forgotten or ignored.

Among the dead was 30‑year‑old Santosh Bishwakarma, shot during the first wave of protests. His widow Amika said his dream was to serve Nepal, even at the cost of his life. She now must raise their two children on her own. Many families shared similar stories of loss and sacrifice, longing for change. They want those in power to remember these lives.

The protests forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign amidst heavy public pressure. Authorities later appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. They also dissolved parliament and scheduled elections for March 2026. Protest leaders and citizens saw the changes as long overdue. Yet grief and anger remain widespread in Nepali society.

On the ground, there were mass cremations at Pashupatinath temple. Mourners chanted, lit candles, and demanded that the fallen be honored as martyrs. Some parents refused to release their children’s bodies until the government responded. In crowded temples and public spaces, people shared one message: justice, equality, and accountability.

Nepal now faces a crucial turning point. Protesters want more than cosmetic fixes—they demand real equality so the poor stop suffering. They expect the new government to deliver reforms, not mere promises. Many wonder whether this moment will change Nepal forever.