Political unrest is afflicting Nepal following a series of demonstrations by Gen Z that saw Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli step down on September 9, 2025. The resignation came after days of confrontations, government property damage, and demonstrations led by the youth in the capital.
Nepal PM Resigns Amid Youth-Led Unrest
The Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), stepped down after protesters stormed and set fire to the parliament building. His televised address confirmed his resignation, citing the need for a “constitutional resolution.” President Ram Chandra Poudel is expected to call an emergency parliamentary session to decide the interim government.
Why Gen Z Protests in Nepal?
The Nepal Gen Z protest news was triggered by the abrupt government prohibition of 26 social media, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Tik Tok. The ban which was imposed on September 8 and was lifted within hours was regarded as censorship and an assault to free speech. However, the reason for Gen Z protest in Nepal extends beyond the ban.
Key reasons include:
- Corruption and Nepotism: Youth accuse leaders of exercising powers to benefit themselves, and the so-called nepo kids receive privileges at the expense of others.
- Economic Inequality: The unemployment rate among the youth stands nearly at 19% and the protesters desire to work, have high salaries and equal opportunities.
- Police Crackdown: Live rounds, water cannons, and rubber bullets were used, which increased anger.
- Systemic Issues: The protesters associate their demands with large-scale reforms of corruption, censorship, and accountability.
This explains why Gen Z protests in Nepal seen as a generational movement rather than a single-issue demonstration.
According to Human Rights Watch and local hospitals, at least 19–22 people were killed and over 300 injured during the clashes. The army imposed a nationwide curfew with soldiers patrolling Kathmandu. Flights from India, including Air India and IndiGo, were canceled at Tribhuvan International Airport amid the unrest.
Nepal Protest and Social Media Role
The social media block was lifted, but protesters kept on organizing using VPNs, Viber, and encrypted applications. The Nepal protests video is trending online with videos of the protests showing parliament ablaze, Kathmandu violence and later the youth groups cleaning up to demonstrate their responsibility.
The current Nepal protests is a sign of profound political issues. Analysts indicate that it might result in constitutional reform or an interim government of coalition. In the meantime, Kathmandu is under high security as Nepal is waiting to experience its next political transition.
