Manisha Koirala Calls Nepal Protests a “Black Day” Amid Rising Turmoil

Veteran actor Manisha Koirala, who hails from Nepal and is the granddaughter of the nation’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, has strongly condemned the violent clashes that have unfolded in her home country. Responding to the recent wave of youth-led demonstrations against corruption and the now-rolled-back social media ban, the Heeramandi star took to Instagram to describe the day as a “black day” for Nepal. Sharing a poignant glimpse from the protests — including the image of a blood-soaked shoe — she highlighted the gravity of the situation and condemned the police’s use of deadly force against students and citizens.

 

“Today is a black day for Nepal — when bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption and demand for justice,” Koirala wrote. Stressing that the demonstrations should not be reduced to merely a reaction against the ban on social media, she urged the media to focus on the root cause: institutionalized corruption and years of political distrust. Her words have struck a powerful chord, resonating with global audiences who have long associated her with courage, resilience, and her deep ties to Nepal’s democratic history.

 

The protests, which began on September 8 across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, erupted after the government imposed a sudden ban on social media platforms, citing cybersecurity and tax concerns. What began as resistance against the restriction quickly escalated into a full-scale movement, as the younger generation — already grappling with an alarming jobs crisis that forces nearly 5,000 Nepalese youths to migrate abroad daily for work — voiced their frustration over systemic corruption and political favoritism.

 

Tragically, police aggression turned the protests violent on Monday, leaving at least 19 dead and over 200 injured. 

 

Coinciding with the turmoil, Manisha Koirala also paid tribute to her late grandfather on his birth anniversary. Remembering B.P. Koirala as both a statesman and a literary voice, she quoted his timeless words: “Democracy is indivisible; if you want democracy at home, you cannot afford to neglect all struggles for it.” By drawing attention to the historic legacy of her grandfather, she reiterated the continuity of Nepal's democratic aspirations and aligned herself with the young voices demanding accountability today. Her outspoken stand has added a powerful cultural voice to the movement, underlining the urgency of Nepal’s current moment of reckoning.

 

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