Nepal Protests: Gen Z Leads Uprising Against Social Media Ban and Corruption

At least 19 people were killed in Nepal on Monday during violent protests led by young demonstrators. The unrest broke out in Kathmandu and other cities after the government blocked Facebook and other social media platforms. Police used tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets as protesters tried to storm parliament. More than 100 people were injured in what is being called Nepal’s worst unrest in decades.

The protests were largely led by young people, many of them students in school or college uniforms. They carried flags and placards with slogans demanding the end of corruption and the unblocking of social media. Organizers called it a “Gen Z protest,” highlighting the frustration of young Nepalis with the government’s failure to create jobs and address graft.

Clashes in Kathmandu and Beyond

According to Reuters, protesters broke through barricades and entered the parliament complex in Kathmandu. An ambulance was set on fire and objects were hurled at riot police. The violence left 19 dead, including two in the eastern city of Itahari. At least 28 police officers were among the injured. Witnesses reported police firing rubber bullets and using water cannons to disperse crowds.

The Interior Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, resigned, taking what he called “moral responsibility” for the deaths. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli held an emergency cabinet meeting to respond to the crisis. The army was deployed around parliament as tensions escalated. Protests also spread to other major cities including Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara.

Why Gen Z Is on the Streets

Nepal’s young population makes up a major part of the country’s internet users. About 90% of its 30 million people are online. The government banned social media after accusing platforms of failing to register with authorities. Officials said false accounts were spreading hate speech, fake news, and scams. But many young people saw the ban as an attack on free expression.

Chants such as “Shut down corruption, not social media” echoed through Kathmandu. Human Rights Watch urged Nepal’s leaders to see the protests as a sign of public frustration rather than just a law-and-order issue. It called on the government to avoid excessive force and listen to demands for change.

Political and Economic Anger

Nepal has faced political instability since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. No government has lasted a full term since then. Oli, now in his fourth term, has been criticized for weak action against corruption and poor economic management. Many young people leave the country each year to study or work abroad because of limited opportunities at home.

Former finance secretary Rameshwore Khanal said the protests reflect anger at corruption and the government’s failure to make fair appointments. While officials argue that the economy is recovering, trust in leadership is low. The current unrest could be a turning point, showing the power of a generation that is more connected, more informed, and less patient with old political practices.

Nepal protests led by Gen Z have now become a major national crisis. The deaths and injuries mark a dark chapter, but the message from young people is clear: they want accountability, freedom, and change.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why are young people protesting in Nepal?

They are protesting against a government ban on social media and widespread corruption. Many feel the government has failed to create jobs or opportunities.

Q2: How many people died in the protests?

At least 19 people were killed during violent clashes. More than 100 others were injured, including police officers.

Q3: What action did the government take?

The government blocked Facebook and other platforms, claiming misuse and fake accounts. The Interior Minister resigned after the violence.

Q4: Which cities saw protests?

Major protests took place in Kathmandu, Itahari, Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara. Violence was most severe in Kathmandu and Itahari.

Q5: How has the world reacted?

Groups like Human Rights Watch urged Nepal to avoid excessive force. They said protests show public anger at corruption and poor governance.