September 8, 2025, was the date when Kathmandu streets experienced scenes of such magnitude as thousands of young Nepalis initiated what was later destined to become one of the most significant youth-led movements in the history of the country. What began as demonstrations over a social media ban soon turned into a strong protest against corruption, nepotism, and government responsibility, eventually compelling Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to step down in a period of 48 hours.
Why did the Nepal protest happen?
The precipitating cause of the big protests was a government order on September 4, 2025, blocking 26 large social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology explained this radical move by the fact that such platforms did not fulfill registration criteria, identify local grievance handlers, and delete flagged content within the required deadline.
To the digitally native generation Z of Nepal, this ban was not only limited access to the internet but also a symbol of authoritarian overreach and an outright assault on their main source of communication, expression, and information sharing.
Who Are Nepal’s Gen Z Protesters?
The demonstrations, widely dubbed the “Gen Z protests,” were primarily driven by Nepalis under 30 years of age. What made these protests particularly striking was the sight of participants gathering in school and college uniforms, highlighting the youth-centric nature of the movement.
Unlike traditional political demonstrations, these protests operated independently of established political parties. The coordination was reportedly managed by Hami Nepal, a youth-focused non-profit organization established in 2015. The movement received vocal support from Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, an independent politician who had leveraged social media effectively during his mayoral campaign.
Nepal protest Beyond Social Media
While the social media ban served as the immediate catalyst, the nepal protests reflected much broader frustrations among youth population:
Economic Challenges
- Limited employment opportunities within the country
- Heavy dependence on foreign remittances
- Growing economic inequality affecting younger generations
Governance Issues
- Widespread corruption in government institutions
- Nepotism in political appointments and opportunities
- Lack of accountability from elected officials
Protesters frequently used the term “nepo babies” to criticize perceived privilege within Nepal’s political establishment, highlighting specific corruption cases including a 2017 Airbus purchase deal that resulted in significant losses for the state airline.
The Tragic Turn: Violence and Casualties
What began as peaceful demonstrations at 9 a.m. local time on September 8 around Maitighar—a major intersection near Kathmandu’s iconic Mandala monument—quickly escalated into violent confrontations.
The situation deteriorated when some protesters, including alleged motorcycle-riding groups, broke through security barricades and stormed the Parliament complex. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, while nepal protesters retaliated with sticks and bottles.
The human cost was devastating: at least 19 people lost their lives, with many succumbing to injuries sustained during the clashes. Over 400 individuals were injured, with more than 100 requiring hospitalization at facilities including Civil Hospital, National Trauma Centre, and Everest Hospital. Several victims suffered critical injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Government Response and Political Fallout
The intensity and scale of the protests forced immediate government action. Authorities imposed curfews in Kathmandu and other cities from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., particularly around sensitive areas including New Baneshwor, Parliament grounds, and presidential residences.
Rapid Political Changes
The protests triggered a cascade of resignations:
- Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday evening, citing “moral grounds” following the deaths of 19 protesters
- Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung also stepped down
- Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The government also quickly reversed its controversial decision, restoring access to all banned social media platforms. Prime Minister Oli ordered an investigation panel to report within 15 days on the causes and preventive measures related to the violence.
Nationwide Impact and Spread
The nepal protests weren’t confined to Kathmandu. Demonstrations erupted across multiple cities including:
- Damak (where protesters targeted the PM’s residence)
- Birtamod
- Itahari
- Biratnagar
- Janakpur
- Bharatpur
- Pokhara
- Birgunj
- Butwal
- Bhairahawa
- Tulsipur
- Dhangadhi
This nationwide spread demonstrated the depth of youth dissatisfaction across Nepal’s urban centers.
Regional and International Implications
India’s Response
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued cautionary advisories for Indian nationals in Nepal, urging restraint and compliance with local directives. Security was enhanced in several Uttar Pradesh districts sharing borders with Nepal as a precautionary measure.
Human Rights Concerns
Nepal’s Human Rights Commission emphasized that the Constitution and international human rights laws guarantee peaceful expression of dissent, criticizing the excessive use of force by security agencies.
The Path Forward: What This Means for Nepal
The success of Nepal’s Gen Z protests in forcing governmental change within 48 hours represents a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. As activist Priya Sigdel stated to the Kathmandu Post: “We cannot stop now. So many innocent young ones passed away. If we stay silent, these leaders and their children will only continue with the same corrupt system.”
The movement has demonstrated several key aspects:
- The political power of digital-native generations
- The effectiveness of decentralized, social media-coordinated protests
- Young people’s determination to challenge traditional power structures
- The government’s vulnerability to sustained youth activism.
Lessons for Democratic Governance
Nepal’s Gen Z protests offer crucial insights for governments worldwide about the importance of:
- Protecting digital rights and freedom of expression
- Addressing youth concerns about employment and economic opportunities
- Maintaining transparency and accountability in governance
- Avoiding heavy-handed responses to peaceful demonstrations
With Nepal entering a new chapter in the wake of this historic event, the legacy of its Gen Z revolution can be expected to affect the way the future governments will interact with young citizens and respond to their valid grievances. The words of the protestor Taya Chandra Pandey summarize the meaning behind the movement: “With this turnout of nepal Gen Z, I see hope.” This is purely driven by Gen Z. We have demonstrated that we can make this movement go.
September 2025 will be remembered as a pivot when youth in Nepal demonstrated that they could not only confront the authority but could also radically change the political course of their country through their own action and sheer determination.