Unrest in Kathmandu: The Spark of Gen Z Protests
Last week, the streets of Kathmandu became the epicenter of a powerful movement as Nepal's Generation Z took to the streets in unprecedented numbers. Fueled by frustration over systemic corruption, inequality, and a controversial social media ban, these young protesters orchestrated a rapid and intense uprising that led to the collapse of the government in under 48 hours. The protests, which began on September 8, quickly escalated into violence, with key government buildings, including Parliament and the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party, being set ablaze.
The trigger for this unrest was the government's decision to ban 26 social media platforms for failing to register with Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. 'We are proud, but there is also a mixed baggage of trauma, regret and anger,' said Tanuja Pandey, one of the protest organizers, reflecting the complex emotions among the youth who felt silenced by the ban. The ban was lifted on September 8 after public outcry, but the damage was done, and the protests had already gained unstoppable momentum.
The scale of the violence was staggering, with reports confirming that 72 people lost their lives during the clashes, marking this as the deadliest unrest in Nepal in decades. Official buildings, political leaders' residences, and even luxury hotels like the Hilton, which opened in July 2024, were torched and vandalized. The chaos left the capital city littered with charred debris as soldiers enforced a nationwide curfew to restore order.
Roots of Discontent: Corruption and Governance Failures
Beyond the social media ban, the protests represented a deeper rejection of Nepal's political class, accused of decades of poor governance and exploitation of state resources. Ashish Pradhan, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, described the movement as 'a wholesale rejection of Nepal's current political class for decades of poor governance.' This sentiment resonated with many young Nepalis who have grown up in a country plagued by unemployment, limited opportunities, and stark inequality.
The economic impact of the protests has been severe, with damages estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Families mourned loved ones killed in the violence while clean-up efforts began amidst the rubble of destroyed infrastructure. The home of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was among those vandalized, with his wife reported to be fighting for her life after their residence was set ablaze during the riots.
What Lies Ahead: Uncertainty and Calls for Change
In the aftermath of the upheaval, Nepal appointed an interim prime minister to stabilize the nation, but the path forward remains uncertain. President Ramchandra Paudel has urged demonstrators to 'cooperate for a peaceful resolution' and invited youth protesters to engage in dialogue. Meanwhile, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a leading candidate backed by protesters to head an interim government, though legal and constitutional hurdles remain, according to Raman Kumar Karna, secretary of the Nepal Supreme Court Bar Association.
The Gen Z-led protests in Nepal mirror similar youth movements across South Asia, such as those in Bangladesh in 2024 and Sri Lanka in 2022, where young people have challenged corruption and inequality through digital networks and street activism. As Nepal plots its future, the question remains whether this uprising will lead to lasting reform or further instability. For now, the army is coordinating with activists, and the nation watches as discussions unfold for a new leadership that could represent the aspirations of its youth.