Nepal’s Gen Z Rise Up Against Corruption and Social Media Ban
In Nepal, a powerful wave of protests led mainly by young people has shaken the country and forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. What started as outrage over the government’s sudden decision to block popular social media platforms quickly turned into something much bigger — a nationwide demand for accountability, economic opportunity, and an end to corruption.
The demonstrations, driven mostly by Generation Z — those between 13 and 28 years old — became the largest and deadliest unrest the country has seen in decades. By the time security forces were deployed with live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas, at least 19 people had been killed and hundreds more were injured. Streets in Kathmandu and other major cities were filled with students, many wearing school uniforms, who defied curfews and risked their lives to make their voices heard.
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The trigger for these protests was the government’s decision to block over two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X. Officials claimed the ban was meant to fight fake news and hate speech, but it was widely criticized as censorship. For young people, who rely on these platforms for communication, education, and activism, the move felt like a direct attack on their freedom. The anger only grew when it was paired with long-standing frustrations over corruption and a struggling economy.
Nepal’s unemployment rate for youth has remained alarmingly high, leaving many to seek work abroad. In fact, remittances from Nepalis working overseas make up more than a third of the country’s economy. Meanwhile, images of politicians’ children flaunting luxury lifestyles — dubbed the “Nepo Kids” movement online — have deepened the divide between ordinary citizens and the ruling elite. For many young Nepalis, these protests were not just about social media, but about a system that feels unfair and broken.
As protests escalated, violence broke out near the parliament complex in Kathmandu. Protesters set fire to police vehicles, booths, and even an ambulance. Security forces responded with rubber bullets and tear gas, but eyewitnesses say live rounds were also used. The health ministry confirmed more than 400 people were hospitalized, and international groups such as the UN and Amnesty International condemned the excessive use of force, calling for transparent investigations.
Under mounting pressure, Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the bloodshed but blaming “vested interest groups” for the violence. Several ministers, including those responsible for home affairs, agriculture, water, and health, also stepped down. The government quickly lifted the social media ban, but the damage to its credibility was already done.
For Nepal, a country that transitioned to a republic less than two decades ago after abolishing its monarchy, these protests mark a critical turning point. What the youth have shown is that they are no longer willing to accept corruption, censorship, and limited futures. Whether the political establishment listens and acts on these demands will shape the nation’s stability in the years to come.
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