In September 2025, Nepal witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests led by its Generation Z population, a demographic born between 1997 and 2012, which has reshaped the nation’s political landscape. These protests, sparked by a government-imposed ban on social media platforms, quickly evolved into a broader movement against systemic corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation. The youth, fueled by frustration over the lavish lifestyles of political elites and a lack of opportunities, took to the streets in Kathmandu and beyond, demanding accountability and systemic change. This article explores the origins, events, and implications of the 2025 Nepalese Gen Z protests, a movement that has left an indelible mark on the Himalayan nation.
The Spark: Social Media Ban and Rising Discontent
The immediate trigger for the protests was the Nepalese government’s decision on September 4, 2025, to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X. The government, led by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, cited the platforms’ failure to comply with new registration requirements under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Authorities claimed the ban was necessary to curb misinformation, hate speech, and online fraud. However, Nepal’s tech-savvy youth, who make up a significant portion of the country’s 30 million population, saw it as an attempt to silence dissent and stifle their voices.
Nepal has one of South Asia’s highest per capita social media usage rates, with nearly one account for every two people. For a country where the median age is 25, social media is not just a tool for communication but a lifeline for education, business, and staying connected with families abroad, especially for the millions of Nepalese migrant workers who contribute 33% of the nation’s GDP through remittances. The ban disrupted access to online classes, businesses, and personal connections, igniting outrage among the youth. Many circumvented the restrictions using VPNs, but the government’s move was seen as a direct attack on free speech and digital expression.
The ban came at a time when public frustration was already simmering, fueled by a viral social media campaign highlighting the extravagant lifestyles of “nepo kids”—children of political elites who flaunted wealth while the average Nepalese earned just $1,400 annually. Hashtags like #NepoBaby and #NepoKids trended as young people contrasted their struggles with the luxury of politicians’ families. This disparity, coupled with a 20.8% youth unemployment rate and widespread corruption, created a powder keg of resentment that the social media ban detonated.
The Protests: From Peaceful Rallies to Violent Clashes
On September 8, 2025, thousands of young Nepalese, many in school and college uniforms, gathered in Kathmandu’s Maitighar Mandala, a symbolic protest site, to demand the lifting of the social media ban and an end to corruption. Organized by Hami Nepal, a youth-focused nonprofit, the demonstrations were initially peaceful, with protesters chanting slogans and holding placards denouncing nepotism and misgovernance. Some even waved the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger flag from the manga series One Piece, a symbol of rebellion also seen in recent Indonesian protests.
As the crowd marched toward the federal parliament in New Baneshwor, tensions escalated. Protesters breached barricades and attempted to enter the parliament complex, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and, according to reports from Amnesty International and the UN, live ammunition. The crackdown turned deadly, with 17 deaths reported in Kathmandu and two in the eastern city of Itahari. Over 300 people were injured, many treated for gunshot wounds in hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of young patients.
The violence only intensified the protests. On September 9, defying curfews imposed in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Itahari, and other cities, protesters returned to the streets in greater numbers. Fueled by outrage over the deaths, they set fire to government buildings, including the Singha Durbar administrative complex, the Supreme Court, and the residences of prominent politicians like Oli and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The home of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal was also torched, resulting in the death of his wife, Ravi Lakshmi Chitrakar, from severe burns. The protests spread to cities like Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Butwal, marking the worst unrest in Nepal since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008.
Political Fallout: Resignations and Chaos
The scale of the protests and the government’s heavy-handed response led to swift political consequences. On September 8, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, citing moral responsibility for the deaths. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung also stepped down, and late that night, the government lifted the social media ban in an attempt to quell the unrest. However, the concessions came too late. The protests had grown beyond the ban, with Gen Z demanding a complete overhaul of the government and an end to the entrenched political elite’s dominance.
On September 9, Prime Minister Oli, a veteran of Nepali politics in his fourth term, announced his resignation, citing the “extraordinary situation” in the country. He fled to an army barracks in Shivapuri, while conflicting reports emerged about President Ram Chandra Poudel’s status, with the Nepalese Army denying claims of his resignation. The parliament building, the Supreme Court, and other government offices were left in ruins, and the country’s main international airport in Kathmandu shut down for over 24 hours due to smoke and security concerns, stranding travelers and prompting India to issue a travel advisory.
The protests, initially leaderless, began to coalesce around calls for a new interim government. Gen Z groups proposed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as a potential leader, citing her independence and integrity. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper elected through a social media-driven campaign, urged protesters to exercise restraint, emphasizing that public assets were the “shared property of the people.” However, the destruction continued, with reports of escaped prisoners and opportunistic groups exploiting the chaos, prompting the Nepalese Army to impose a nationwide curfew on September 10.
The Broader Context: A Generation’s Frustration
The Gen Z protests in Nepal were not just about a social media ban; they were a manifestation of deep-seated grievances. Nepal’s transition to a republic in 2008, after a decade-long civil war, promised democratic progress, but the same political figures—Oli, Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal—have dominated power, rotating as prime ministers. This “electoral game of thrones” has left many young Nepalese feeling betrayed, as corruption scandals, like the $71 million embezzlement in Pokhara’s airport construction, go unpunished. Transparency International ranks Nepal as one of Asia’s most corrupt countries, fueling public anger.
Economic challenges exacerbate these frustrations. With a 12.6% unemployment rate and over a thousand young Nepalese leaving daily for work in the Gulf or Malaysia, opportunities at home are scarce. The reliance on remittances highlights a lack of structural economic transformation, pushing youth toward online spaces for income and expression. The social media ban, therefore, was not just a restriction but an attack on their livelihood and voice.
The protests also drew inspiration from regional movements, such as Sri Lanka’s 2022 uprising and Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led protests, which toppled governments over similar issues of corruption and economic mismanagement. The use of #NepoKids echoed global sentiments against privilege, seen in places like the Philippines, where public figures’ children face similar scrutiny. Nepal’s Gen Z, digitally connected and globally aware, leveraged these parallels to amplify their message.
The Aftermath and What Lies Ahead
By September 10, an uneasy calm settled over Kathmandu as the army patrolled the streets and residents began cleaning up debris. Gen Z groups distanced themselves from the vandalism, blaming “opportunists” for hijacking their movement. The death toll rose to 30, with over 1,000 injured, and the destruction of national landmarks like Singha Durbar sparked debates about the movement’s direction. Some, like lawyer Sahadev Khatry, lamented the loss of historical sites, while others, like 18-year-old protester Saurav, remained defiant, insisting that Nepal’s youth could lead the country to a better future if given the chance.
The protests have raised critical questions about Nepal’s governance. With no clear parliamentary majority, an interim government seems likely, potentially involving Gen Z representatives in discussions. The movement’s lack of formal leadership, while empowering, poses challenges for negotiating lasting change. The UN and Human Rights Watch have called for investigations into the security forces’ use of force, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent further unrest.
Nepal’s Gen Z protests of 2025 mark a turning point, exposing the fragility of its democracy and the power of its youth. While the social media ban was lifted and Oli resigned, the underlying issues—corruption, nepotism, and economic inequality—remain unresolved. The movement has shown that Nepal’s youth are no longer willing to accept the status quo, but the path to a stable, transparent government is uncertain. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the world watches to see whether this uprising will lead to democratic renewal or further instability.
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