News
Mass protests erupted in Nepal after the government banned 26 social media platforms. Authorities explained the move as necessary “to prevent fake IDs, misinformation, and hate speech,” but many young people saw it as an attack on freedom of expression. Demonstrations quickly spread nationwide, with Kathmandu as the epicenter. Clashes with police escalated, and on September 8 violent confrontations near the parliament building led to police opening fire, killing at least 19 people and injuring many more.
The protests were not only a reaction to the social media ban but also an outburst of long-standing frustrations over corruption, nepotism, and lack of opportunities for young people.
Source: AP News
Background Explanation
Nepal’s Political System
Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008 and became a republic. Since then, governments have been fragile and unstable, with prime ministers changing frequently over the past decade. Corruption and nepotism remain pervasive, fueling widespread public disillusionment, especially among the youth.
What is Gen Z?
Gen Z generally refers to those born between the late 1990s and around 2010. They grew up with the internet and smartphones and are often vocal about politics and social issues through social media. In Nepal, nearly half the population is Gen Z or younger, making them the driving force behind the current protests.
Nepo Kids
“Nepo” comes from “nepotism.” The term “Nepo kids” refers to the children of politicians and businessmen who enjoy wealth and privileges through family connections. On TikTok, videos of their lavish lifestyles spread widely and became a symbol of corruption, sparking outrage among ordinary youth.
Social Media Ban
The immediate trigger for the protests was the government’s decision to ban more than 20 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The move was seen as an attempt not only to restrict free speech but also to suppress the circulation of protest-related information. Ironically, this crackdown only intensified anger among young people and accelerated the protests.
Historical Context
Since the end of the civil war in 2006, Nepal has remained politically unstable. Former Maoist leaders and other figures have held power, often criticized for corruption and authoritarian tendencies. The recently resigned Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli was among those accused of clinging to power despite growing public dissatisfaction.
International Reactions
Nepal has faced frequent protests in recent years, but the fact that the younger generation is now involved shows how much discontent is growing. Such events could seriously affect the country’s political stability.
Shut down all their social media then shot and killed peaceful protests will do that
I’m afraid our peaceful protest has been hijacked by certain groups to advance their own power. Former Maoist turned Prime Minister Prachanda, who launched a guerilla war that killed 17000 Nepalese, has gone into hiding and is suspected of employing his goons to encourage violence and eliminate his rivals amid the chaos. Thousands of criminals and accused nationwide, including politician Ravi Lamichhane, have been freed from jail. The courts which held many important documents about criminal cases are being burnt. Everyone is trying to back their own candidate as Prime Minister, take advantage of the chaos. People are burning down government offices and public property. The police has lost control and some thieves are taking advantage of this chaos to rob and loot. Out of the frying pan, into the fire it seems right now. Hopefully Nepal is able to rise stronger out of this chaos
You mean it’s old people who usually go to protests?
Considering they tried shutting down all their social media, they knew something like this was coming sooner or later.
I wonder, with the parliament on fire, if “could” is still the right word here.
I still remember how Nepal was stereotyped as an idyllic utopia of some sort, with its citizens being the happiest people on the planet
Wasn’t it Bhutan’s people who are the happiest?
Speaking of Bhutan, I wonder how their monarchy feels about this. And the Chinese vis-a-vis Tibet. And, of course, I wonder what India’s take is.
Some of the pictures and videos coming out of this protest or revolution, let’s call a spade a spade at this point is absolutely horrid. Mangled and pieces of corpses lying on the street, I do not know how many have died but the official numbers is going to downplay it immensely. Nepalese need to get rid of this regime or blood will keep pouring, it’s Bangladesh all over again but worse somehow.
If govt has resigned, means that they got rid of this regime no?
The PM and some cabinet members resigning is not enough, the party can just appoint someone else and they have not response to the demand to dissolve parliament and call new elections.
Ah so govt resignjng doesnt mean that automatically new general elections should be held ?
the govt didnt resign, the PM and some cabinet members did.
Not really. Nepal has had the same 3 prime ministers in the last decade since the constitution was first promulgated in 2015. 1 Marxist, 1 Maoist, 1 social democratic. Nepal has basically been a shit show ever since the last Crown Prince committed murder-suicide of almost the entire royal family.
No confirmation yet. There are three factions…all corrupt
They burned the wife of the prime minister alive. They torched his house, after he resigned. This is escalating to Insanity.
Resignation is not enough. They need to pay for their crimes
the protest was against decades of corruption in the government. the situation escalated when the police used excessive force in the name of crowd control and killed 19 young protesters yesterday.
Why is every source saying “Gen Z” protesters? Are they calling themselves that? I’m not saying most of the protesters can’t be Gen Z or that there’s anything wrong with that, just seems strange to see them labeled that way so consistently.
Oh it started as a peaceful protest against corruption and the recent bills government was trying to pass. Years of frustration added up and finally GenZ tried to show they will not keep silent. Few days ago a minister hit a girl with his vehicle and the PM defended him saying let’s not make a bigger deal out of it. There are many but the violence began when they started using real bullets and targeted vital organs. School kids died with headshots. Now all generation are trying to join but the spark was set by GenZ.
but why call them GenZ specifically? calling them that feels forced like they are being blamed or something.
Basically the protest was started by Gen Z’s, with exposing corruption through TikTok trends with nepo kids lavishly enjoying corrupt money. It gained traction and awareness among us Gen Z on the corruption. And young people decided to hold a massive protest on Sept 8. Since we young people are referred to as Gen Z, it’s been recognized as a Gen Z protest because it was spearheaded by Gen Z and mainly youths.
Because GenZ started it as their own movement and it started yesterday. The name could be written differently in history but the fact is this would have never happened if GenZ did not act. Many protests happened last year but this time it worked. While Nepal never had a peaceful and stable government, this is the biggest protest in two decades. The first one toppled a single king, this time many kings are being toppled.
Because the thing driving the protests now was the shootings of Gen Z-age kids in their school uniforms by the security forces. Originally, it was about corruption, then kids came out after the government shut down social media, and then some were brutally shot in the street.
i see. here GenZ is blamed for everything so its usage has a negative connotation and that’s the only time it gets used.
While I agree, it’s less Gen Z being blamed for everything and more the younger generation being blamed. For 20 years it was millennials as scapegoats, but now they’ve aged out so Gen Z took the mantle.
It is a movement led by younger generations
It’s because most of Nepal’s population is Gen Z or younger. The average age is around 28. Gen Z turns 27 this year so almost 50% of the country is Gen Z or Alpha. South Asia’s fertility rate is still higher than average.
I just can’t believe it man. This wave of censorship is hitting the whole world overnight and it’s worrying. UK has OSA, Europe has chat control, US states trying similar. Nepal banned 20+ social media apps. This is insane and governments don’t care. It’s not natural, something sinister is at play.
You should read history. Censorship, population control, social engineering aren’t new. You’re just hearing more because of technology. That’s why governments need digital censorship. The world enjoyed decades of peace and prosperity. That’s not normal historically. It will get worse before it gets better.
Except we won’t protest like the Nepalese youths do. Control will come inch by inch. The best information control is when most people don’t notice or don’t care.
The best way to reduce protests is unemployment rate. It’s >10% in Nepal, >20% under 25. In the US it’s under 5%. During covid it hit ~13% and we saw protests.
They’re slow-boiling the frog so it doesn’t know it’s being cooked alive.
Its the countries waking up to the fact authoritarian states ruined democracy through social media. Only way to combat is lock down the internet. I saw this 15 years ago. There’s no way to have free speech without guardrails. China’s firewall is to block foreign disinfo. The world is locking down because everyone realizes info war is an attack on minds.
If you lock the internet, you’ll become like China. Gov can give you any misinfo and you can’t verify. That’s worse. Look at North Korea. They don’t even know 90% of countries exist. More intelligent people are needed for progress. Open Internet gives disinfo but also lifesaving intel. Taking it away is not good.
Yea, most people are stupid and that’s why it’s a problem. You don’t wait around. Locking internet means stopping bots/foreign influence, not shutting it off. Entire countries run disinfo campaigns. The future will be bloc-based internet. “Free” inside each, blocked outside. There’ll be anonymous nets like today’s dark web.
Political, Economic, and Geopolitical Factors Behind Nepal’s Protests
Corruption and Distrust in Governance
Nepal’s transition from monarchy to republic in 2008 failed to bring political stability. Frequent changes of prime ministers, deep-rooted corruption, and nepotism eroded public trust. While elites enriched themselves, ordinary citizens faced economic stagnation and limited opportunities. The current protests are less about a social media ban and more about decades of accumulated frustration.
Gen Z’s Disillusionment and Rebellion
Nearly half of Nepal’s population is Gen Z or younger. Facing unemployment above 20% for those under 25, many are forced to work abroad and send remittances home, creating a sense of hopelessness about building a future in their own country. Viral TikTok videos of “Nepo kids” flaunting wealth fueled anger and became a rallying cry for the youth-led movement.
Economic Structure and Social Pressure
Remittances account for about 25% of Nepal’s GDP, underscoring the weakness of its domestic job market. This dependence has fueled a vicious cycle of labor migration and underdevelopment. Structural inequality combined with corruption transformed protests into a systemic revolt rather than a spontaneous outburst.
Comparison with China: Information Control
Unlike Nepal, China long ago blocked foreign social media platforms and developed domestic alternatives like WeChat and Weibo, managing dissent before it could escalate. Nepal’s abrupt ban on over 20 platforms backfired, instantly igniting widespread youth anger. The contrast highlights how “gradual control” versus “sudden suppression” determines political stability.
Regional and International Stakes
Situated between India and China, Nepal holds strategic importance. Both powers seek influence—India traditionally through politics and economy, China through the Belt and Road Initiative. Prolonged unrest could invite intervention under the guise of “stability,” while Western countries frame the movement as part of the global struggle for democracy.
Risks of Escalation and the Crossroads of Democracy
What began as peaceful protests for accountability turned violent after police used live ammunition, killing students in school uniforms. Government buildings were torched, and looting broke out. The danger is that increasing violence could undermine the legitimacy of the movement, pushing Nepal toward prolonged instability or even civil conflict.
The Future: Challenges for Young Leaders
Even if a new leader emerges from the younger generation, uniting a multiethnic, multilingual, multireligious society will be difficult. Key tasks include:
- Transparency: Eradicating corruption decisively.
- Inclusivity: Building consensus among diverse groups.
- Economic reform: Reducing dependency on remittances by strengthening domestic industries.
Without these, protests risk turning into a cycle of disillusionment.
Conclusion: From Outburst to Reform?
The protests show that Gen Z has the power to shake the old political order. But whether this energy can be channeled into sustainable institutional reform depends on leadership and international support. Nepal now stands at a crossroads: whether the anger of a generation becomes lasting reform or fades into another chapter of turmoil.
See you in the next article.
References
- What Nepal’s ‘Gen Z’ protesters have to say — Reuters
- Anger over corruption and nepotism fuel Nepal’s deadly protests over social media ban — AP News
- How ‘Gen Z’ protests over corruption and jobs ousted Nepal PM Oli — Reuters
- Nepal’s young protesters back former chief justice as interim head — Reuters
- Police open fire on protests of Nepal’s social media policy, killing at least 17 — AP News
- Nepal lifts social media ban after protests where police killed 19 people — Politico
- Nepal lifts social media ban after protests leave 19 dead, curfew imposed — Reuters
- Nepal’s uprising was a generation in the making — Washington Post
- Protests against Nepal’s social-media ban grow more violent as demonstrators set buildings on fire — AP News
- At least 19 killed in ‘Gen Z’ protests against Nepal’s social media ban — The Guardian
- What to Know About the Deadly ‘Gen Z’ Protests Over a Social-Media Ban and ‘Nepo Kids’ in Nepal — Time
