KATHMANDU: Authorities on Tuesday imposed an indefinite curfew in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, reinstating restrictions just hours after lifting an earlier order.
The Kathmandu District Administration Office announced that the curfew would take effect from 8:30 a.m. until further notice, covering the entire city. The move aims to restore order following clashes between security forces and youth groups over Monday’s social media ban, which left 19 dead and more than 300 injured. The previous curfew had expired at 5:00 a.m.
“No movement of people, gatherings, demonstrations, protests, meetings, or sit-ins will be allowed during the curfew,” stated the notice issued by Chhabilal Rijal, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu. “However, emergency services—including ambulances, fire trucks, vehicles carrying health workers, tourists, media personnel, and air travellers—will be allowed to operate in coordination with security forces.”
The neighboring Bhaktapur district also imposed an indefinite curfew from 8:30 a.m. in several areas, including Pepsikola, Radheradhe Chowk, Sallaghari, Duwakot, and Changu Narayan Temple. Restrictive measures were additionally enforced in parts of Lalitpur, which borders Kathmandu.
Despite the curfew, student-led anti-government protests erupted across the region Tuesday morning. Demonstrations were reported in Kalanki and Baneshwor in Kathmandu, as well as Chapagaun-Thecho in Lalitpur. Protesters, mostly students, chanted slogans such as “Don’t kill students,” openly defying restrictions. In Kalanki, demonstrators reportedly burned tires to block roads from early morning, eyewitnesses said.
The curfew prompted panic buying, with residents rushing to grocery stores and pharmacies to stock up on essentials. Public transportation has come to a standstill, and educational institutions remain closed.
In a late-night move on Monday, the government restored access to social media platforms, seemingly in an attempt to calm public anger.
