The protests erupting across Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and other cities, are primarily triggered by the government's recent ban on 26 major social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, and LinkedIn. The ban took effect on September 4, 2025, after a seven-day deadline expired on August 28 for these platforms to register locally, appoint grievance officers, and comply with Nepal's digital regulations.
The government, led by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, justified the move as a measure to protect national sovereignty, curb misinformation, fraud, hate speech, and ensure accountability for content. However, critics, including human rights groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists, view it as a dangerous step toward digital censorship and suppression of free expression, especially in a country where social media is vital for communication, business, education, news, and connecting with the millions of Nepalis working abroad as migrant laborers.
While the ban serves as the immediate spark, the demonstrations have quickly evolved into a broader uprising against systemic corruption, lack of government transparency, and shrinking civic freedoms. Protesters have highlighted how corruption has been "institutionalized" in Nepal, pointing to politicians' lavish lifestyles (amplified by viral "Nepo Kid" social media campaigns exposing privileges of elites' children) amid economic struggles, political instability (13 governments in 17 years since the monarchy's abolition), and unfulfilled promises of development. Slogans like "Shut down corruption, not social media," "Youths against corruption," and "Unban social media" reflect this dual focus.
The movement draws inspiration from recent youth-led protests in Bangladesh and Indonesia against similar issues of governance and rights. Demonstrations began peacefully with marches toward Parliament in Kathmandu but turned violent as protesters breached barricades, leading to clashes with police using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and reportedly live fire.
A curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu until 10 p.m. local time (extendable), the army deployed, and Parliament sessions postponed to September 10. Casualty reports vary: state media confirm at least one death and 50+ injuries, while local outlets and witnesses report 9–20 deaths (mostly young protesters) and over 80–200 injuries, with hospitals overwhelmed and incidents like a burning ambulance and security vehicle.
The protests are predominantly led by Nepal's Generation Z (Gen Z) youth, including students, young professionals, and digital natives born around the turn of the millennium who rely heavily on social media for daily life and activism. Many demonstrators, aged 18–24, participated in school or college uniforms while carrying books to symbolize their student identity and peaceful intent. Organizers, such as 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari, emphasize it's a grassroots "Gen Z Revolution" for accountability and a "new, transparent Nepal," calling for the resignation of all parliament members. Unlike politically affiliated movements (e.g., earlier pro-monarchy protests by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party), this appears largely independent, with warnings against infiltration by political elements to sabotage it. Thousands marched waving Nepal's national flag, singing the anthem, and using VPNs or compliant apps like TikTok and Viber to coordinate despite the blackout. Support has come from Nepali artists, actors (e.g., Hari Bansha Acharya), and international voices urging protection of rights. Reddit discussions and X posts from Nepali users stress safety tips like staying in groups, recording incidents, and using Bluetooth apps like Bridgefy for offline coordination, underscoring the youth-driven, organic nature of the unrest.
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