At least 19 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in Nepal after thousands of young people clashed with security forces during protests against corruption and a government ban on social media platforms.

The demonstrations, dubbed the “Gen Z protest,” began Monday morning in the capital Kathmandu. Protesters — many of them students — first gathered in Maitighar before marching towards Parliament. Witnesses say the protest was largely peaceful until a group broke through barricades and entered the Parliament premises.

Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and eventually live rounds. Local hospitals report that many of the injured were treated for gunshot wounds, with several in critical condition.

The unrest comes after the government blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp, claiming they failed to register with authorities. Many young Nepalis, especially those with family abroad, say the ban has cut off vital communication.

Protesters accuse the government of silencing youth voices and ignoring widespread corruption, citing scandals such as a controversial 2017 aircraft deal that cost the country millions.

Authorities have imposed a curfew in several areas of Kathmandu, including near the president’s and vice president’s residences. Amnesty International has condemned the use of lethal force and called for an independent investigation.

For many in Nepal, the protests reflect deep frustration — not just over social media restrictions, but also over years of corruption, inequality, and lack of accountability.