Is it a 'black day for Nepal' according to Manisha Koirala amidst Gen Z protests?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Escalation of protests in Nepal
- Manisha Koirala's poignant statement
- Call for justice from Gen Z youth
- Government's imposition of a curfew
- UN's demand for investigation
Mumbai, Sep 8 (NationPress) As the Gen Z protests in Nepal escalate against the government's ban on social media, actress Manisha Koirala labeled this day a “black day for Nepal”. In her Instagram post, Koirala expressed, “Today marks a black day for Nepal — when bullets respond to the voices of the people, who are rising against corruption and demanding justice.”
Reports indicate that these violent protests have resulted in at least 19 fatalities so far.
The unrest began following the Nepali government’s decision to prohibit access to 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, on September 4.
In response to Koirala’s statement, an Instagram user commented, “It’s disheartening; the Nepali government and law enforcement are deeply corrupt. The loss of young lives protesting against corruption is tragic. There’s no hope for Nepal unless the entire government structure is reformed. Rest in peace, young angels.”
Another user stated, “From India, I feel shaken and furious about the news from Nepal. A protest intended to be peaceful, led by courageous Gen Z youth, now reports 20 dead. Twenty dreams extinguished, twenty voices silenced, yet the movement persists. Nepal’s youth have displayed an extraordinary courage that challenges the very power structure. I stand with them in mourning and in solidarity, urging this strength to spread globally.”
A third comment read, “The KING should return, and BALEN should be PM. This will create a system of checks and balances.”
The district administration has enforced a curfew in several critical areas of Kathmandu, including the parliament, the president's residence, and Singha Durbar, which houses the office of the prime minister.
The United Nations has also called for a rapid and transparent probe into the escalating situation in Nepal. UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani stated, “We are appalled by the killings and injuries of protesters in Nepal today and demand a prompt and transparent investigation.”