Chaos Erupts in Kathmandu: Police Open Fire on Protesters Outside Parliament

Kathmandu, Nepal – September 8, 2025 – A day of anticipated political expression tragically escalated into a scene of alarming violence today, as police in Kathmandu opened fire on a large gathering of protesters amassed directly outside the nation's parliament building. The incident, which unfolded with rapid intensity, marks a grim escalation in ongoing public unrest and has sent shockwaves across the capital and beyond.

Thousands of demonstrators had converged on the parliamentary complex, their voices unified in a passionate outcry against recent government policies.

The air was thick with chants and the waving of banners, a familiar sight in the vibrant, often turbulent, political landscape of Nepal. However, what began as a largely peaceful, albeit fervent, demonstration quickly spiraled into confrontation as security forces attempted to disperse the crowd.

Eyewitness accounts describe a tense standoff that gradually deteriorated.

Initial efforts by the police to push back the protesters using batons and tear gas proved ineffective against the sheer volume and determination of the crowd. As the situation grew more volatile, the crackle of gunfire pierced the protestor's chants, signaling a dangerous shift in the authorities' response.

Reports from the scene indicate that multiple individuals sustained injuries, though precise figures remain unconfirmed amidst the chaos.

Ambulances were seen rushing to the area, navigating through the panicked crowds and a heavy police presence. The use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians has ignited fierce condemnation from human rights organizations and political observers, who are calling for immediate investigations into the incident.

The specific grievances driving today's mass protest are rooted in a complex web of economic hardships, allegations of corruption, and perceived governmental failures to address critical public services.

Protester leaders, speaking to local media before the violence erupted, emphasized their commitment to non-violent resistance, making the police's actions even more contentious.

As night falls over Kathmandu, the immediate area around the parliament remains cordoned off, patrolled by a heavy contingent of security personnel.

While the immediate crowds have dispersed, the anger and fear ignited by today's events are palpable. The incident is poised to significantly heighten political tensions in Nepal, with calls for accountability and widespread outrage expected to fuel further demonstrations in the coming days. The government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement regarding the use of force, deepening the public's anxieties and demanding urgent clarity on the justification for such extreme measures.