Kathmandu, Sep. 8: At least 18 people have lost their lives during Monday’s Gen Z protests against corruption and the social media ban.

Police used heavy force including multiple gunshots, rubber bullets, water cannons and baton charges, to disperse the agitating youngsters.

Among those seriously injured by police action during Monday’s protest, four died at the Trauma Center, two at Civil Hospital and one more at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) in Sinamangal, confirming a total of four protester deaths. At least hundreds of others have been injured and some are in critical condition.

According to hospital sources, all the deceased were seriously injured bullets wounds and died during treatment. The protest, which began peacefully at 9 AM on Monday, turned violent in the afternoon when protesters attempted to breach restricted areas.

Police initially used tear gas and water cannons and later opened fire to control the situation.

As the situation escalated, the Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew from 12:30 PM across several areas of Kathmandu. However, despite the curfew, the protest in New Baneshwor has not stopped and tensions remain high.

Currently, the Trauma Center and Civil Hospital are overcrowded with the injured persons. The exact number of injured has not yet been made public.