KATHMANDU: Gen Z protests against corruption, mismanagement, and the government’s social media ban escalated dramatically today as demonstrators breached Parliament’s Gate No. 2, smashed walls with stones and set fire to sections of the gate.

According to SSP Bishwo Adhikari, Chief of Kathmandu District Police Range, security forces have fired warning shots in the air as protests continued despite a curfew.

“Efforts are being made to control the crowd using the principle of minimum force,” SSP Adhikari said, explaining the police response to the ongoing demonstrations.

Earlier, police had also deployed tear gas and aerial warning shots after demonstrators from Maitighar and Tinkune broke through barricades and converged at the federal Parliament complex.

Authorities subsequently imposed a curfew in Maitighar, New Baneshwor, Tinkune, and Shankhamul until 10 p.m.

Following the violent escalation, organizers of the Gen Z Nepal movement urged participants via Facebook to leave the area immediately and safely.

The post read: “Many self-interested groups are attempting to provoke the crowd. Our day has already been a success. Everyone should return home safely.”