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| Protesters burn a photograph of Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli at the Singha Durbar during a demonstration against the social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, September 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) |
Kathmandu, September 10, 2025 — Nepal is facing one of its most severe political crises in recent history. What began on Monday as protests against the government’s ban on social media platforms has escalated into a nationwide uprising led by the country’s Gen Z youth. Within three days, the country has been thrown into chaos: 19 people killed, government buildings set ablaze, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation, and the deployment of the army to restore order.
A Connected Generation Rising Up
At the heart of this unrest is Generation Z — young Nepalis, hyperconnected and politically aware, who organized largely through Discord after the government blocked major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
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View product“We have nothing left to lose. If our voices are silenced online, we’ll take to the streets,” says Anish, a 22-year-old political science student in Kathmandu.
This generation, better informed and globally connected, rejects Nepal’s traditional political elite, whom they accuse of nepotism, chronic corruption, and disconnect from everyday struggles.
From Peaceful Protest to Insurrection
The demonstrations started peacefully on Monday but quickly turned violent when police fired live rounds and used tear gas against the crowds. The toll was tragic: 19 people dead and over a hundred injured.
By Tuesday, anger had boiled over:
- The Parliament building was set on fire;
- Several politicians’ residences were torched;
- Protesters stormed police stations, freeing detainees.
With the situation spiraling out of control, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and several key ministers announced their resignation.
The Army Steps In
On Wednesday morning, President Ram Chandra Poudel ordered the Nepalese Army to take control of Kathmandu and other hotspots. Strict curfews were imposed, and the army now controls key checkpoints across the capital.
Military spokesperson Colonel Ramesh Bista stated:
“The situation was beyond the control of the civilian government. Our mission is to restore order and safeguard the nation’s institutions.”
Emerging Leaders and Political Uncertainty
Amid the chaos, several figures are emerging as potential symbols of change:
- Balendra “Balen” Shah, a rapper-turned-mayor of Kathmandu elected in 2022, highly popular among young Nepalis;
- Former chief justices, seen as neutral figures who could help rebuild trust in institutions.
Meanwhile, there is a growing pro-monarchy movement calling for a return to the stability that existed before Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008.
Social Media as the Spark
Ironically, the crisis began with the temporary ban of 26 major social media platforms. The government justified the move by citing “noncompliance with local regulations,” but for many, this was the last straw.
Platforms like Discord became the digital command center for organizing demonstrations, coordinating movements, and sharing real-time updates on police deployments.
Nepal at a Crossroads
Nepal now faces a period of deep uncertainty. Since becoming a republic in 2008, no prime minister has completed a full five-year term. The youth, representing the majority of the population, are demanding sweeping reforms and a complete restructuring of the political system.
“This crisis goes far beyond social media bans,” explains a researcher at the Nepal Center for Contemporary Research (NCCR). “It’s about freedom of expression, but also about rebuilding trust in governance.”
The resignation of the government has brought temporary relief, but the underlying anger remains. For many protesters, this is just the beginning of a generational shift.
Global Implications
Nepal’s crisis reflects a global phenomenon: a connected, frustrated generation leveraging digital platforms to challenge entrenched power structures. In a world where social media is both an arena of expression and a tool of mobilization, governments face a delicate balance between regulation and freedom.
The key question now is clear:
Can Nepal transform this uprising into an opportunity to reinvent its political system, or is the country headed toward prolonged instability?
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