Nepal Protest Death Toll Rises to 72 Amid Escalating Unrest

The death toll from Nepal’s anti-corruption protests has risen to 72, authorities confirmed on Sunday, as unrest continues to grip the Himalayan nation.

The Ministry of Health said at least 2,113 people have been injured since the demonstrations broke out earlier this month, with several others still in critical condition.

Many of the victims were killed when security forces clashed with protesters, while others died in buildings that were set ablaze or collapsed during the chaos.

The protests, which started as a campaign against corruption and the government’s decision to restrict social media platforms, have escalated into one of the deadliest episodes of civil unrest in Nepal in recent years.

Demonstrators have targeted government buildings, shopping malls, and private businesses, leaving parts of Kathmandu and other cities scarred by violence and destruction.

Newly appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has appealed for calm, urging protesters to end the violence and return to dialogue. She announced that families of those killed would be compensated and pledged to push reforms aimed at restoring public trust.

Despite her assurances, anger remains high among Nepal’s youth, many of whom have been at the forefront of the protests. Analysts say the movement has shaken the political establishment and could shape the country’s leadership in the months ahead.

Security remains tight across major cities, with additional forces deployed to prevent further escalation as negotiations between protest leaders and the government continue.