Tensions escalate outside Nepal Army HQ as Gen Z protesters clash over interim leader

September 11, 2025

Kathmandu: Tensions flared for the second day in a row outside the Nepalese army headquarters in Bhadrakali as Gen Z protesters appeared divided over the choice of an interim leader. On Thursday afternoon, rival factions supporting former Chief Justice Sushila Karki and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah clashed outside the army complex, arguing over who should lead the interim government.

The same protesters, who have been demanding change after weeks of unrest, were seen at the same site on Wednesday evening arguing heatedly over the leadership question after widespread complaints about corruption, nepotism and unemployment. The protests had escalated dramatically earlier this week after a ban on social media, which led to violent demonstrations. In response, army officials had asked the protesters to return the next morning with an explicit agreement on their choice of interim leadership.

Khabarhub, the first outlet to report the development, also shared a photo in which a protester is seen punching another outside the army headquarters. However, The Savera Times could not independently verify the authenticity of the image. According to their report, the clashes began on the main road in front of the headquarters when a group of youths shouted slogans against the appointment of former Chief Justice Karki as the interim prime minister.

Karki’s supporters and those supporting Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah soon clashed, while a smaller group affiliated with Dharana Mayor Harka Sampang also joined the fray. What started as sloganeering quickly escalated into clashes and gang-style clashes, turning the area into a “flashpoint of unrest.” The report further stated that as clashes spread, Nepali army personnel were struggling to bring the situation under control.