[Today’s Prayer] Death Toll in Nepal’s Anti-Government Protests Rises to 51… Three Police Officers Also Killed

More than 50 people have been killed in large-scale anti-government protests in Nepal, sparked by the government's decision to block access to social media.

According to AFP and other outlets on the 12th (local time), Nepalese police announced that 51 people have died nationwide in recent demonstrations, including in the capital, Kathmandu. The Ministry of Health and Population had reported 34 deaths as of the previous day, but police added 17 more in their updated count. Among the dead, 21 were identified as protesters, most of whom died in clashes with police on September 8, the first day of the protests.

The death toll also included three police officers, while several prison escapees were killed in clashes with Nepalese security forces as they attempted to flee into India. Some were captured by Indian border guards.

(Omitted)

President Ram Chandra Poudel, protest leaders, and the military are also continuing discussions on electing a leader to lead an interim government to replace Prime Minister Sharma Oli, who resigned amid the protests.

(Omitted)

A constitutional expert who recently advised President Poudel and Army Chief of Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel told Reuters, "Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki (73) will be appointed interim prime minister." He added, "Generation Z (who led the protests) wants him," and "A decision will be made today."

The recent protests in Nepal began in response to the government's decision on May 5th to block access to 26 social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

The government justified the ban by citing the spread of fake news, but many young people accused it of trying to suppress online anti-corruption campaigns.

Disappointed by the government’s failure to fight corruption and promote economic growth, many young people joined the protests, which spread beyond Kathmandu to other cities. Videos highlighting the contrast between the lavish lifestyles of the elite and the struggles of ordinary citizens went viral on social media, fueling further anger.

Since September 8, police have responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, escalating casualties. Protesters have set fire to the president’s and prime minister’s residences, worsening the situation.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:14–15, ESV)

Lord, we hear the tragic news that more than 50 lives have been lost in Nepal’s large-scale anti-government protests that began in response to the government blocking access to social media.

Father, we lift up the young people of Nepal who, disappointed by the government’s lack of resolve in tackling corruption and promoting economic growth, joined the protests. As anger grows over both corruption and suppression, have mercy on these young people, Lord.

Even as they struggle with unemployment and daily hardships, fill them with Your vision so that their passion for their nation’s restoration may be turned toward the expansion of Your kingdom. May the global Church join together in sharing this vision and proclaiming the gospel among them.

As a new leader is chosen to head the interim government, raise up one who fears You. Until Nepal has leaders who establish their governance on Your Word, may the churches faithfully pray, raise up godly leaders, and proclaim the gospel.

Let the fragrance of Christ flow through the churches in Nepal. May they comfort the families of those who have died and proclaim the love of Jesus, who turns death into life. Reveal throughout Nepal that Jesus alone is their true hope!