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A look at the massive protests in Nepal, sparked by Gen Z anger, escalated and resulted in deaths.
It has become a major event that the world is watching closely, for the large violent protests in Nepal, which caused both Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to announce his resignation and many ministers were attacked, including the wife of the former Prime Minister who was injured when her house was set on fire.
Meanwhile, on the protesters’ side, known as Gen Z protesters, more than 20 people have reportedly died in clashes with police officers trying to control the situation. This political situation in Nepal has raised many people to wonder how Nepal got to this point?
The trigger for the ban on social media use
Social media is an important part of Nepal’s life, with one of the highest per capita user rates in South Asia, and citizens often use it as a means of criticizing the government.
The protests stemmed from a government decision on September 4 to ban 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, for failing to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology by the deadline.
Critics accuse the government of trying to block social media to stifle criticism and opposition to the government, particularly regarding corruption.
While the social media ban has been a catalyst for the current unrest, it has also demonstrated deep-rooted public discontent with the government and its officials.
What happened after that ?
Following the ban, discontent began to build and accumulate, culminating in protests on September 8 in the capital Kathmandu and some other cities in Nepal. On September 8 alone, 19 protesters were killed in clashes with police.
Later that day, Nepal’s Communications Minister Prithvi Subha told reporters that police had to use force, including water cannons, batons and rubber bullets. Some protesters were able to breach the perimeter of the parliament building in Kathmandu, prompting police to impose a curfew around key government buildings and tighten security.
On the night of September 8, Prime Minister Oli announced the lifting of the ban on social media, but the situation has not improved. Then, on September 9, protesters set fire to the parliament building in Kathmandu, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Government buildings and homes of prominent politicians were attacked and vandalized across the country, including the home of the finance minister and the foreign minister.
It led to the house of former Prime Minister Jala Nath Khanal, which was set on fire, resulting in the death of Khanal’s wife, Rajyalakshmi Chitrakar. At least three more protesters were also reported dead, bringing the total death toll to at least 22. Many of the injured were taken to local hospitals, where doctors said they suffered gunshot wounds and rubber bullet wounds, with more than 200 people injured. Police said several officers were also injured and the number of injured is expected to rise.
Who are the protesters ?
The protests, galvanized by social media and led by young people across the country, were unlike any protests seen before in Nepal. Protesters identify themselves as Gen Z, and the term has become a symbol of the movement throughout the protests.
Despite the lack of a centralized leadership, a number of youth groups have emerged as a driving force, demanding action and sharing updates online.Students from colleges and universities across Nepal’s major cities, including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Itahari, were invited to participate in the march in their uniforms, books in hand, with videos circulating on social media showing even schoolchildren joining the march.
What are the protesters’ demands ?
Their two main demands are that the government lift the social media ban, which has already been implemented, and that officials end “corruption.” Protesters, mostly students, have linked the social media blockade to restrictions on free speech and widespread corruption allegations among politicians.
“We want to see an end to corruption in Nepal,” said Binu KC, a 19-year-old student. “The leaders made promises during the elections but never fulfilled them. They are the cause of so many problems.”
She added that the social media ban has impacted her education, limiting her access to online classes and learning resources. Content creator Supana Phutthoki said, “Gen Z isn’t going to stop here. This protest isn’t about social media. It’s about silencing our voices, and we won’t let that happen.”
The “ NepoKids” trend
A distinctive feature of this protest was the widespread use of two slogans: #NepoBaby and #NepoKids.
The two words have gained popularity on social media in recent weeks after a series of videos showing the lavish lifestyles of politicians and their families went viral in Nepal. Protesters say these individuals are successful and luxurious without morality, living off state funds while ordinary Nepalis struggle.
Viral videos on TikTok and Instagram have contrasted the lavish lifestyle of politicians’ families, including designer clothes, international travel and luxury cars, with the harsh realities faced by young people, including unemployment and forced migration.
These slogans became symbols of deeper grievances about inequality, as protesters contrasted the lives of the elite with those of ordinary citizens.
What will happen next?
Even though the Prime Minister has stepped down, it remains unclear who will replace him or what will happen next, with no one appearing to be leading the charge. Some leaders, including ministers, are reportedly taking refuge with security forces.
So far, most protesters continue to defy curfew measures in Kathmandu and elsewhere. Protesters are calling for oversight and reform of governance, but if the government fails to engage seriously, analysts warn the unrest could escalate, particularly as students and civil society groups join in.
The protests have sparked talk of restoring the monarchy, with former king Gyanendra becoming a “symbol of resistance for those disappointed with the current political system,” particularly from royalist factions opposed to Nepal’s post-civil war government.
The situation seems to be starting to ease.
On the morning of September 10, Nepal Army troops patrolled various neighborhoods in key areas, while Gen Z protesters announced that they would not hold further protests from September 10 onwards and called for the enforcement of a curfew as necessary.
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport reopened on September 10 and the capital was relatively calm as most people adhered to a curfew that was set to end on the morning of September 11, but smoke from burning buildings was still visible in the air.
The military, trying to control the situation, has also invited Gen Z protesters to peace talks, but warned that violence and destruction of property will be punished. Twenty-seven people have been arrested on charges of violence and looting, and 31 firearms have been seized.
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