Nepal's Gen Z protest: BBC reveals police order to fire
BBC World
February 26, 2026
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The BBC has revealed shocking evidence that the former police chief of Nepal issued an order for lethal force against unarmed, young protesters in Kathmandu last September, resulting in 19 deaths, including a teenager in school uniform. The incident occurred during a protest known as the "Gen Z demonstrations," driven by growing frustration among young people over political corruption and unemployment. Internal police documents obtained by the BBC show that the order was given under the call sign "Peter 1," identified as former Inspector General Chandra Kuber Khapung, who has not denied issuing the command. The government claims the decision was made after exhausting non-lethal methods and following legal procedures, but no one has been held accountable so far.
The protests were organized primarily by Gen Z activists on platforms like Discord, reacting to social media bans imposed by the government. Thousands of young people gathered peacefully outside parliament, many wearing school uniforms, believing they would not be targeted. However, video evidence shows that Shreeyam Chaulagain, a 17-year-old student, was shot in the back while trying to leave the scene. His mother had pleaded with him not to attend the protest, fearing violence.
The events of September 8, 2023, led to widespread outrage and further protests, ultimately causing Nepal's prime
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026