Gen-Z riots: Death toll in Nepal rises to 72, financial assistance announced

KATHMANDU: The death toll in Nepal's Gen-Z protests has risen to 72, with 2,113 injured, the health ministry said. Authorities said bodies had begun to be recovered from the rubble of buildings set on fire by protesters. The search was expanded today.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki declared those killed in the protests as 'martyrs'. She announced a financial assistance of 10 lakh Nepalese rupees to the families of the deceased. She also said that free treatment will be provided to the injured. Sushila, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday. She officially took charge today. The Prime Minister's office was set on fire by protesters. Therefore, Sushila's office is currently in the adjacent Home Ministry building. Youth protests broke out in Nepal last Monday against the social media ban and corruption. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned and the President dissolved the parliament following this. General elections will be held on March 5, 2026.

Supreme Court functioning in tents!

The Supreme Court resumed its operations in Nepal today. The main building of the court was demolished and set on fire during the protests. Therefore, the court is currently operating under tents. Services like case information, hearings, rescheduling, and registration of petitions are available. Hearings have not yet begun.