Student Protests in Nepal Turn Deadly ^{CEFR B1}

The recent unrest has deep roots in Nepal’s political history. From 1848 the Rana dynasty ran an isolated oligarchy that limited education and power. In 1951 King Tribhuvan helped end Rana rule, but King Mahendra later dissolved parliament and set up the Panchayat autocracy for about 30 years. Mass protests in 1990 (Jana Andolan I) forced a return to multiparty democracy, yet the 1990s were unstable and prime ministers changed often between 1991 and 2001. In 1996 the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) began an armed insurgency that left over 17,000 dead by the early 2000s.

In 2001 a royal massacre shocked the nation, and King Gyanendra later took power, dissolved parliament in 2005 and declared a state of emergency. Mass protests in 2006 removed him and the monarchy was abolished in 2008. A constitution was adopted in 2015 creating seven provinces and new rights, though many groups still felt excluded.

By 2024 inflation, youth unemployment and political stagnation were severe. New rules restricting online platforms helped trigger student-led protests in early September 2025. Demonstrations spread to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lalitpur; police used tear gas and live rounds and at least 19 people died in Kathmandu. The government imposed a curfew, shut mobile networks and deployed the army. President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, 73, as interim prime minister. Her caretaker government pledged investigations, order and elections in March 2026. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty called for independent inquiries while the military said it acted to protect order and noted many involved were minors.