Kathmandu, Nepal – A youthful and ferocious wave of Nepal protests has surged across the country, channeled by Generation Z, as anger over corruption, economic stagnation, and a sweeping social media ban ignites widespread unrest across major urban centers.
What Triggered the Protests?
On September 4, Nepal banned 26 major social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube—for not complying with a 2023 registration directive. The blackout instantly alienated Nepal’s youth population, who use these platforms for communication, business, and activism.
Gen Z-led Nepal protests defied the ban, turning an online campaign into a mass movement with placards reading ‘Shut down corruption, not social media’ and ‘Unban social media’.
A Protest Turns Deadly
September 8, 2025, proved to be a black day. Tens of thousands, mostly students, rallied near Nepal’s federal parliament in New Baneshwar, leading to clashes with security forces.
Authorities had response with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. By day’s end, security forces killed at least 19 protesters and injured hundreds during one of Nepal’s most violent demonstrations in decades.
Government Cracks Under Pressure
Under public pressure, the government lifted the ban on September 9. Minister Gurung confirmed Facebook’s return, while PM Oli promised victim compensation, free treatment, and a 15-day inquiry.
That same week, violent protests damaged parliament buildings, authorities enforced curfews in major cities, and the Prime Minister resigned.
The Toll and International Response
- Casualties: At least 19 people died, and violence injured hundreds of protesters and police officers.
- Chaos at Airports: Kathmandu airport was shut down; flights were diverted to Lucknow, Delhi, and other cities. IndiGo suspended operations, stranding travelers
- Human Rights Allegations: Amnesty International condemned the killings and called for an independent investigation and respect for democratic rights. The National Human Rights Commission has also urged restraint and compensation for victims
- International Dismay: Travel advisories by Australia; India called for diplomatic calm, and discussions were reportedly underway among protest leaders and authorities. click here
Why It Matters
These “Nepal protests” highlight:
- Vibrant Youth Agitates: The social media ban and corruption swiftly attracted Gen Z’s wrath-signifying in a way the dawn of digital-age activism.
- Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression: The ban thus provoked an all-India backlash—proving how suppression of digital avenues can become counterproductive.
- Political Fragility: Nepal’s frequent regime changes (13 governments since 2008) reveal deep-rooted structural turbulence, a trend this upheaval has revived.
- Global Niche: The protests echo youth movements in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, driven by shared frustrations over opportunity, governance, and equality.
