In September 2025, Nepal witnessed massive protests that shook the foundations of its political order. What started as frustration over the blocking of social media platforms soon transformed into a nationwide movement against corruption, poor governance, and restrictions on civil liberties. The protests were remarkable not only because of their scale but also because they were largely driven by young people, particularly students, who demanded accountability from those in power.
The protests in Nepal were triggered mainly by the government’s decision to block over two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X. The official reason given was that these platforms had failed to register under new laws and were spreading misinformation and harmful content. However, many Nepalis, especially young people, saw the ban as censorship and an attempt to silence criticism of the government. But the protests were not only about social media. Generation Z had long been frustrated with corruption, unemployment, and inequality. A major source of anger was the way politicians and their families live in privilege while ordinary people struggle. Stories about the children of leaders driving expensive cars and enjoying luxuries became symbols of corruption and unfairness. Soon after the ban, thousands of young people came out to protest in Kathmandu and other major cities. They demanded that the government restore access to social media, but their slogans also pointed to larger problems such as nepotism, inequality, and lack of accountability in politics.The protests grew in size and intensity. Demonstrators attempted to march toward Parliament, while security forces tried to block their way. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition against crowds. The clashes turned deadly, with at least 19 people killed and many more injured. The heavy-handed response of the security forces raised serious human rights concerns both inside the country and internationally. Despite the government’s attempts to restrict online platforms, information about the protests spread through VPNs, encrypted messaging, and alternative media outlets. This showed how deeply connected the younger generation is to digital tools and how determined they are to keep their voices heard even under pressure.
The scale of the protests forced the government to backtrack. Within days, the ban on social media platforms was lifted. But the crisis did not end there. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli faced immense political pressure, not only from the streets but also from opposition parties. Eventually, he resigned from his position, marking a major political shift. Human rights groups called for investigations into the police response and the deaths of protesters. Civil society organizations also demanded reforms to prevent such violence in the future. Although the lifting of the ban and the resignation of the prime minister were seen as victories for the protesters, many observers argue that these steps are not enough. The deeper structural issues, including corruption, unemployment, and weak governance, remain unresolved.
After days of violence and unrest, Nepal has now entered a period of calm, though recovery is still ongoing. Many young protesters, mostly from Generation Z, have begun repairing and cleaning public spaces that were damaged during the demonstrations. Streets have been cleared of debris, walls are being repainted, and burned areas are being restored as a way of showing responsibility. The government has lifted the social media ban, promised free treatment for the injured, and set up a panel to investigate the violence. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has stepped down, and an interim leadership is being formed. Despite these steps, the country faces huge challenges, with property damage estimated in the billions and deep public frustration with corruption and inequality still unresolved. While daily life in Kathmandu is slowly returning to normal, many believe the underlying tensions remain and could resurface if real reforms are not made.
Conclusion
The protests in Nepal were not mainly about social media but against a corrupt government. Young people were tired of leaders misusing power while ordinary citizens faced problems like unemployment and inequality. By coming together, Gen Z showed they are ready to fight for a fair system and a better future for the country.
