Nepal is currently going through its worst phase in a decade. 19 youths protesting against the government have lost their lives and over 500 youths have been injured.
Nepal Protest: Nepal is currently facing its biggest crisis of political and social stability. The youth generation across the country, particularly Gen Z, has taken to the streets against corruption, inequality, and lack of opportunities. The protests intensified further after restrictions were imposed on social media. So far, 19 youths have lost their lives and over 500 have been injured in police firing.
Following this violent movement, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his entire cabinet resigned. Currently, the country's command is in the hands of the army, and the army has proposed dialogue with the protestors.
When did the movement begin?
On August 28, 2025, the Nepali government ordered social media apps to be registered with the Ministry of Information and Technology. On September 4, 23 apps, including Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram, were banned. Following this, on September 5, Gen Z youth began protests against corruption, inequality, and lack of opportunities. On the night of September 8, the police opened fire to quell the protests, resulting in 19 deaths and over 500 injuries.
Violent incidents and fierce protests
- Former PM Jhalanath Khanal's wife Rajyalaxmi was burned alive.
- Former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba's house was attacked and cash was thrown on the street.
- Protestors stated that this action was taken because of reports that leaders were planning to leave the country.
Role of the Army and the Anger of the Protestors
Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdev addressed the nation on television, urging for dialogue with the protestors. According to the constitution, the command of the army in Nepal rests with the President. The government has also lifted the ban on social media, but the lives lost cannot be brought back. The movement was not just against the app ban but against decades of corruption and lack of opportunities. The youth in Nepal are angry due to corruption and nepotism.
- Cases of land grabbing and human trafficking
- Appointments through proportional representation in parliament, which is considered against the original spirit of the constitution
- Growing gap between rich and poor
- Misuse of government resources and detachment of leaders from the common public
The youth are not just protesting; they are demanding a change in the system.
What did Gen Z achieve?
Nepal's Gen Z has achieved something unprecedented in history. They forced the Prime Minister and his entire cabinet to resign. This is a significant victory, but it will be considered incomplete until it translates into constitutional reforms and corruption-free governance. Nepal is situated between India and China. This means that both large neighboring countries are closely watching Nepal's political events.
