Student Protests in Nepal Turn DeadlyCEFR A2
14 Oct 2025
Adapted from Supriya Thapa, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Sushanta Rokka, Unsplash
In early September 2025 student demonstrations began in Nepal. They started over a social media ban but grew into protests against political failure, corruption and inequality. At least 19 people died after police fired into crowds in Kathmandu.
Students organised quickly on encrypted apps and protests spread to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lalitpur. Police used tear gas and live rounds and hospitals filled with injured students. The government imposed a curfew, shut mobile networks and deployed the army.
The Home Minister resigned and the cabinet reversed the social media ban. President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Her caretaker government pledged to investigate the killings, restore order and hold elections in March 2026. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty called for independent inquiries.
Difficult words
- protest — A group showing feelings against something.protests, protesters
- government — The group of people who rule a country.
- change — To make something different.
- frustrated — Feeling upset because something is difficult.
- justice — Fair treatment or fairness in the law.
- crowd — A large group of people.
- curfew — A rule that people must be indoors by a certain time.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think people protest?
- How can protests lead to change?
- What are some other ways to express your opinion?
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