Kathmandu remains on edge as violent protests against Nepal’s nationwide social media ban and corruption continue to escalate. The death toll from the clashes rose to 14 on Monday, according to hospital sources cited by The Himalayan Times.

The deceased include six at Trauma Center, three at Civil Hospital, three at Everest Hospital, one at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), and one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Authorities reported that the number of injured remains uncertain as hospitals struggle to accommodate victims, forcing some facilities to refer patients elsewhere. The identities of many deceased and injured are still being verified.

The unrest intensified after demonstrators breached restricted zones and stormed the Federal Parliament premises, prompting the Nepali Army’s deployment to assist security forces. Police resorted to using water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against protesters.

Protesters, largely from Gen Z, accused authorities of suppressing free speech and peaceful demonstrations. “The police are firing on the people, which is against the essence of peaceful protest. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which violates freedom of speech and the right to expression,” one protester said. Another described witnessing friends being shot by live rounds as clashes turned increasingly violent.

The protests erupted after the government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, which failed to register with Nepalese authorities under new compliance rules. Officials claimed fake IDs were being used to spread misinformation, hate speech, and fraud.

Beyond Kathmandu and Jhapa, demonstrations spread across Pokhara, Butwal, Chitwan, Nepalgunj, and Biratnagar. In Jhapa’s Damak Chowk, protesters burned an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and attempted to storm a municipal office, triggering police intervention that left one person critically injured. Several motorcycles were set ablaze amid the chaos.

Officials described the nationwide situation as highly tense, with security forces struggling to maintain order while attempting to protect civilians. Despite curfews and heavy security deployment, protests show no signs of slowing down.