Curfew imposed in Baneshwor After Gen Z youth protest turns tense

September 8, Kathmandu: Authorities in Kathmandu imposed a curfew in parts of Baneshwor on Sunday afternoon after a protest by youths identifying themselves as “Generation Z” escalated.

The demonstration began earlier in the day, with protesters demanding the reopening of recently shut social media platforms and an end to corruption. Participants gathered at Maitighar and marched towards New Baneshwor via Babarmahal. Although they pledged not to enter prohibited zones, the protest disrupted traffic across central Kathmandu.

The District Administration Office issued a curfew order from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., citing the need to maintain law and order under Clause 6(a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028.

The restricted areas cover:

• From Baneshwor Chowk west to Everest Hotel and Bijulibazar Bridge,

• From Baneshwor Chowk east to Min Bhawan, Shantinagar and Tinkune Chowk,

• From Baneshwor Chowk north to Iplex Mall and Ratna Rajya School,

• From Baneshwor Chowk south to Sankhamul Downhill and Sankhamul Bridge.

Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal, who issued the order, warned that violators would face legal action.

While the protest was youth-led, several political party leaders expressed solidarity, raising concerns that political groups may seek to capitalise on the movement.

Generation Z generally refers to people born between 1997 and 2012, meaning most protesters fall between their early teens and late twenties.