What’s Going On in Nepal? A Deep Dive into the Gen Z Uprising
The Spark
On September 4, 2025, Nepal’s government abruptly ordered the shutdown of 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, and more. They claimed the move was intended to enforce new registration rules and curb fake news and hate speech—but critics saw it as censorship.
That ignited mass outrage—primarily among Generation Z—and protests erupted nationwide just a few days later. Wikipedia+1
Underlying Grievances
While the social media ban triggered protests, deeper frustrations were at play: widespread government corruption, nepotism, youth economic hardship, and rising awareness of elites’ lifestyles via the viral “Nepo Kids” trend.
Youth unemployment stood at about 20.8% for 15–24 year olds in 2024, according to the World Bank, adding to the urgency. The Washington Post ABC News
Escalation & Casualties
On September 8, massive Gen Z-driven protests unfolded across Kathmandu and other cities—without a centralized leadership. The movement spread swiftly. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets—and, alarmingly, live ammunition.
That night, the government rescinded the ban, and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned taking moral responsibility for the violence.
The Fallout: Buildings Torched & PM Resignation
On September 9, protests intensified. Demonstrators targeted government infrastructure—setting fire to the parliament (Singha Durbar), the Supreme Court, party headquarters, and residences of several politicians. TIME
Casualties rose to around 19–22 dead and 300–400+ injured, as per official and independent estimates. Reuters
Amid mounting pressure, Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned, and multiple other ministers also stepped down. The Army then occupied the international airport, and curfews were imposed in several cities. Al Jazeera AP News
Why It Matters
This marks Nepal’s deadliest unrest in decades—and a youthful revolt seeking digital freedom, accountability, and systemic reform. The movement isn’t just social media freedom—it’s a demand for political transformation and equitable opportunity.
What Happens Next?
Caretaker governance is likely, with dialog involving youth groups on the horizon.
The political landscape is in flux; figures like Kathmandu’s mayor Balendra Shah, popular among youth, are gaining attention. Indiatimes
Calls for independent investigations into the violence are growing internationally. ABC News