Millions of youth in Nepal, led by Sudan Gurung, took to the streets in protest against the social media ban and corruption. 20 people were killed and many injured during the movement. The Oli government had to resign.
Nepal Youth Protests: In Nepal, youths recently took to the streets to protest the government's decision to ban social media. This movement was led by 36-year-old activist Sudan Gurung. The anger of the youth was not limited to the social media ban alone; it also included resentment against corruption, economic inequality, and misgovernance. This movement caused a stir across the country and posed a serious challenge to the Oli government.
Sudan Gurung: The Face That United the Youth
Sudan Gurung is the most prominent face of Nepal's Gen-Z movement. He utilized the organization Hami Nepal to bring the youth onto a single platform. Sudan Gurung previously worked in event management, but the 2015 earthquake changed his life. He dedicated himself to humanity and society and founded Hami Nepal.
Sudan Gurung managed to connect directly with the youth, questioning the country's elite class and political corruption. On September 8, he called for protests through a social media post, writing, "This is our time, our fight, and it will start with us, the youth."
Hami Nepal Organization and the Gen-Z Movement
Hami Nepal is a non-profit organization, and through it, the Gen-Z movement has united the voices of youth in the country. The main objective of this movement was to bring forth the power of youth against corruption, economic inequality, and misgovernance. Sudan Gurung ensured coordination among the youth by using social media and VPNs.
Hami Nepal worked to convey the voices of youth from across the country to the highest political levels. The organization ensured that the demands of the youth reached the government directly and their anger was not pacified.
September 8 Protest
On September 8, millions of youths in Nepal took to the streets. The youth organized their protest through VPNs. Protesters took to the streets to challenge the Oli government and raise their voices against the social media ban. During this period, some incidents of violence occurred, resulting in the deaths of approximately 20 people and injuries to over 200.
However, the youth are not backing down from their demands. Due to their protests, Nepal's Home Minister, followed by the Agriculture Minister and Health Minister, had to resign. This movement demonstrates that youth power is not limited to social media but possesses the capability to bring about real political change.
Reasons for the Movement and Government's Response
There was already simmering anger among the youth in Nepal due to corruption and economic inequality. The government's social media ban acted as fuel to this anger. The youth clearly signaled that they would go to any extent for their rights and freedom. The Oli government attempted to suppress this movement, but Sudan Gurung and the Hami Nepal organization thwarted their efforts. The government tried to control social media, but the youth used technology to further strengthen their protest.
