Nepal has been rocked by a series of unprecedented youth-led demonstrations known as the Gen Z protests. What began as outrage against a social media ban has grown into one of the largest and most violent uprisings in recent years. The protests highlight a generational divide, deep frustration with corruption, and anger over political leadership.
Nepal Gen Z Protests and the Social Media Ban
The immediate spark was the government’s decision to block access to 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube. Authorities claimed the platforms had failed to comply with new registration rules meant to regulate digital activity. For young Nepalis, who rely heavily on these platforms for education, business, and communication, the move felt like a direct attack on freedom of expression.
Why the Movement Is Called Gen Z
The protests are called the Gen Z movement because they are led mainly by young Nepalis under the age of 28. This generation grew up in the digital era and sees connectivity as an essential part of daily life. For them, social media is not just entertainment—it is a tool for learning, organizing, and building livelihoods. The name also signals a generational shift, with young people demanding accountability and representation in a political system dominated by older leaders.
Anger Beyond the Ban: Corruption and Frustration
While the ban triggered the initial protests, deeper frustrations quickly came to the surface. Demonstrators voiced long-standing anger over corruption, nepotism, and lack of economic opportunities. Many young graduates struggle to find jobs, while political leaders are seen as disconnected from everyday struggles. Protest slogans such as “Shut down corruption, not social media” reflected this broader discontent.
Violence on the Streets of Kathmandu
What started as peaceful marches escalated into violent confrontations when thousands of students and young workers gathered near parliament in Kathmandu. Protesters set fires, overturned vehicles, and tried to breach barricades. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and in some areas, live ammunition. By the end of the clashes, at least 19 people were dead and hundreds injured. Hospitals in the capital were overwhelmed with casualties, many of them students.
Political Fallout of the Gen Z Protests
The scale of the violence forced political leaders to react quickly. The government reversed the social media ban, but the move came too late to calm the protests. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned under pressure, marking a dramatic turn in Nepal’s politics. Despite these resignations, protesters continue to demand systemic reforms, including stronger safeguards for digital rights and tougher action against corruption.
CP Radhakrishnan’s Role as Vice President
The Vice President of India serves as the constitutional deputy to the President and as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. This position requires political neutrality, firmness, and a deep understanding of parliamentary procedure. With his decades of political and administrative experience, Radhakrishnan is seen as well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of presiding over the Rajya Sabha.
Symbols of the Gen Z Protests
The protests have adopted powerful symbols that resonate with young people. One of the most striking images was the use of the Straw Hat Pirates flag from the Japanese manga One Piece, symbolizing rebellion and unity. Placards carried digital-age slogans, memes, and references to global youth culture. These symbols underline the global outlook of Nepal’s younger generation, even as they fight local battles.
International Reactions to Nepal’s Gen Z Protests
The violence drew swift international attention. Human rights groups condemned the use of lethal force against protesters and called for independent investigations. Several foreign embassies urged restraint and respect for human rights, while aid agencies warned of the risks of further instability if grievances remain unaddressed.
Nepal’s Youth and the Road Ahead
The Gen Z protests are more than a reaction to a ban—they represent a generational demand for change. Young Nepalis have shown their ability to organize quickly, harness digital tools, and challenge political authority. Their demands now go beyond restoring online access, encompassing broader reforms on governance, education, and jobs. The political class faces a critical test: whether it can rebuild trust with a digitally savvy generation that has already demonstrated its power on the streets.
