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Key Points

Nepal's emergency cabinet meeting formed a committee to investigate Monday's deadly violence that claimed 19 lives. The protests were triggered by government corruption and bans on popular social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators, marking the deadliest day since 2006. The UN has expressed sorrow over the deaths and called for maximum restraint from all parties involved.

Key Points: Nepal Forms Probe Committee After Deadly Protests Kill 19

  • Committee investigates police use of lethal force against unarmed student protestors
  • Protests sparked by corruption and social media platform bans
  • 17 deaths in Kathmandu and 2 in Sunsari district recorded
  • Deadliest day in Nepal since monarchy overthrow in 2006
2 min read

Nepal: Committee formed to investigate Monday's violence that claimed 19 lives

Nepal forms 15-day investigation committee after police use lethal force on unarmed protesters, resulting in 19 deaths during anti-corruption demonstrations in Kathmandu.

"The committee has been given 15 days time to prepare the report and submit it, looking into the aspects of how the situation escalated - ANI Source"

Kathmandu, September 9

An emergency cabinet meeting on Monday evening formed an investigation committee to look into the day's violence, which so far has claimed 19 lives.

The committee has given 15 days time to prepare a report.

"The committee has been given 15 days time to prepare the report and submit it, looking into the aspects of how the situation escalated and the possible factors behind it. TOR (Terms of Reference) has been drafted accordingly," a source told ANI.

Thousands of youths joined the protests, criticizing rampant corruption and the government's ban on 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat.

Police using lethal force against the unarmed protestors--especially students--resulted in the death of 17 in Kathmandu alone, while two deaths were recorded in Sunsari district, where a similar protest had convened.

From 9 AM (local time) on Monday, demonstrators gathered at Maitighar in Kathmandu to voice their dissent. In recent days, hashtags such as 'Nepo Kid' and 'Nepo Babies' have been trending online, gaining momentum after the government decided to block unregistered platforms.

Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries during today's protests.

In a Facebook post, she extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and vigilance.

Hamdy also appealed to the government to ensure an environment where citizens can safely and peacefully exercise their democratic rights.

Monday marks the deadliest day in Nepali history since the overthrow of the monarchy in 2006, when a total of 18 people died in weeks of protest.

During the protest, the police had used water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition against protesters. The police fired while taking cover inside the parliament as the protestors swarmed into the building and set the entrance on fire.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Blocking social media platforms never ends well. We saw this during farmers protests in India too. Governments need to understand that in digital age, you can't suppress voices by banning platforms. Hope Nepal finds peaceful resolution 🙏
A
Aditya G
While I condemn the violence, protestors storming parliament and setting it on fire is also not justified. Both sides need to show restraint. Hope the investigation committee delivers justice impartially.
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Sarah B
As someone who has lived in both India and Nepal, I can say the youth frustration with corruption is universal. But violence begets violence. The UN representative is right - democratic rights must be protected while maintaining law and order.
V
Vikram M
Nepal is our neighbor and what happens there affects regional stability. India should offer mediation help if requested. We share deep cultural ties and can't watch silently when such tragedies unfold.
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Michael C
The 'Nepo Kid' hashtag trend shows how youth are fighting against nepotism and corruption. Similar to many Indian youth movements. Hope the investigation brings truth to light and those responsible are held accountable.

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