Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising: How Youth-Led Protests Shook a Nation

Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising: How Youth-Led Protests Shook a Nation

Nepal has witnessed a historic wave of protests led by its Generation Z in September 2025. Sparked by a controversial social media ban and widespread anger over government corruption, these youth-driven demonstrations have dramatically altered the country’s political landscape, culminating in violent clashes, mass mobilizations, and the resignation of Nepal’s prime minister and ministers.

Genesis of the Protests

The immediate trigger for the protests was the government’s abrupt ban on 26 social media platforms—including Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, and others—on September 4, 2025, citing non-compliance with new “registration” requirements designed to curb misinformation. However, resentment had been building for months over alleged corruption among older leaders, economic stagnation, youth unemployment (20%+), and the ostentatious social media displays by children of Nepal’s political elite—so-called “Nepo Kids”.

Who Led the Protests?

The movement was organic and leaderless, coalescing largely via digital networks before the ban. Masses of school and college students (many in uniforms) joined with other youth across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Itahari, and other cities. Notably, organizers asked established political parties and their youth wings to stay away, insisting this movement belonged to ordinary young Nepalis.

Key Grievances

• Social Media Ban: Protesters viewed the ban as a direct attack on freedom of speech. Many depend on online platforms for education, business, careers, and remittances—vital to Nepal’s economy.

• Corruption: Allegations of unchecked corruption and nepotism within the ruling class have eroded trust. Scandals, such as fraudulent state deals and the lavish lives of politicians’ children, became flashpoints.

• Economic Frustration: Persistent lack of jobs, high youth unemployment, and political paralysis have left Gen Z feeling excluded and unheard.

Scale and Outcome

On September 8-9, tens of thousands marched in Kathmandu’s Maitighar Mandala and stormed the Parliament, escalating to clashes in which police used live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas. At least 19 people were killed and hundreds injured, making this Nepal’s deadliest political unrest in years.

Anger intensified after demonstrators set fire to official residences, parliament buildings, and homes of top politicians. Curfews were enforced, and the military was deployed to restore order. On September 9-10, principal ministers, including Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, resigned. The president called for urgent talks with Gen Z activists as the armed forces took temporary control.

Broader Significance

Nepal’s Gen Z protests echo recent youth-led movements in Asia, such as in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but are unique in their digital-first organizing and rejection of traditional parties. Many protesters demand not just the rollback of the social media ban (which has now been lifted) but a complete overhaul of the political system—including dissolution of Parliament, new elections, and an interim government with youth participation.

What’s Next?

The situation remains volatile. Military and Gen Z representatives are negotiating the shape of an interim civilian government, as young Nepalese are poised to play a greater role in shaping the nation’s future.

Key Points Table

Trigger	Main Demands	Outcomes	Context
Social media ban	End to ban, end to corruption	Resignation of PM, parliament dissolution calls, army deployed	20% youth unemployment, 33% GDP from remittances, high social media use

These events mark the emergence of Gen Z as a powerful political force in South Asia, challenging entrenched power structures and demanding genuine accountability.