Nepal "GEN-Z" Protests

A generation often accused of being lazy, apolitical, entitled, and screen-obsessed—that is Gen Z. The Nepal protests have everyone 'shooketh' about Gen Z's attitude towards politics. Was it only because their social media was taken away, or were other reasons involved?


The Nepalese government banned 26 major social media platforms for not following national protocol and not registering under the new rules. Their reason—cybercrime, hate speech and misinformation. If we simply omit these problems rather than finding solutions, growth is impossible.

This was just the trigger event. The government was more concerned with serving elite families than empowering the ordinary youth or giving them a chance to speak. Many educated young people were turned down for jobs, leading to demotivation of the youth. An erratic government with changing policies and leaders was fooling them no more; they were constantly reminded of failed promises and unfulfilled progress. A democratically elected leader only promised them authoritarian leadership, silenced voices, and some who never got to speak. Widespread corruption, misuse of funds, and exemption for political leaders—are we still questioning the need for protest?

Many young people (using VPNs) began organising online protests to oppose the ban, the same day it was enforced. On 8th September, peaceful protests began in Kathmandu, near the federal parliament building. The young energy reeks of symbolism and sternness, demanding the lifting of the ban, resignation of the prime minister and no more cemented walls. Escalation occurred when the barriers were breached, security responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and live ammunition. 19 were killed by the evening.

This immediately worsens matters, and unrest spreads. Government buildings, including the parliament, Singha Durbar and political residences, were attacked, vandalised and burnt down. How was it organised? Discord. I'm not picking sides, but that takes guts, and it's admittedly hilarious. 


Eventually, the ban is lifted, ministers resign, and curfews are imposed—the military has brought order.  Under intense pressure and dire conditions, K.P. Sharma Oli resigned as prime minister. 

Since the government was a coalition, Sushila Karki was nominated as the interim prime minister. Making her Nepal's first female prime minister. The parliamentary elections are now scheduled for March 5th 2026.

Before this, Gen Z was labelled the 'TikTok generation' in Nepal; often seen as self-absorbed and disconnected. These so-called apolitical juveniles reprimanded the government's actions and brought about some real change. Their actions shocked the nation and the world, hopefully serving as an eye-opener to defy generational stereotypes. Their movement exposed them as aware, spirited, and cautious of the future of their country. Their actions were needed, maybe not in their intensity, but certainly to awaken the people living there. This fight for their rights was no longer viewed as passive or distracted but as revolutionary, accountable, justified, fair and inclusive. Is Gen-Z that bad, or are they just unfit for the moulds of society? Should they change to fit the old moulds, or is this our sign to make new ones? 


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