Thousands of Nepal’s youth hit the streets in unprecedented protests on Monday (September 8, 2025) following a sweeping government ban on major social media platforms. The unrest, which began with peaceful demonstrations, turned violent, leaving at least 19 dead and over 400 injured. Authorities imposed curfews in Kathmandu and other cities after protesters breached the Parliament premises and targetted the homes of politicians.
Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday as Gen Z-led protests escalated in Kathmandu and other parts of the country for a second consecutive day. Mr. Oli’s secretariat confirmed his resignation.
Also Read: Nepal protests LIVE updates: Social media ban lifted; death toll climbs to 19
What triggered the protests?
The immediate spark was the government’s decision on September 4 to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, and YouTube, after they failed to comply with a deadline to register locally, appoint grievance handlers, and remove flagged content. Issuing a public notice, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology had said it “has ordered the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to make inactive all non-registered social media sites until they are registered.”
Who are the protesters and what are they demanding?
The protests, widely referred to as the “Gen Z protests,” have been driven largely by young Nepalis under the age of 30, many of whom gathered in school or college uniforms. Demonstrations were not formally aligned with political parties and were reportedly coordinated by Hami Nepal, a youth-focused non-profit established in 2015. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, an independent politician, who won the mayoral elections through his active social media campaign has been vocal in supporting the protests.
Alongside opposition to the social media ban, the protesters also raised concerns about corruption, nepotism and lack of accountability in governance, frequently using the phrase “nepo babies” to criticise perceived privilege within the political establishment.
What unfolded on the ground?
The protest began at 9 a.m. local time on Monday, with thousands gathering around Maitighar, a major intersection near the iconic Mandala monument in Kathmandu. Initially peaceful, the crowd turned chaotic as some participants, including alleged motorcycle-riding groups, broke through barricades to storm the Parliament complex.
Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Protesters reportedly retaliated with sticks and bottles. Tragically, at least 19 people died, many succumbing to injuries sustained during the clashes. At the same time, more than a hundred were hospitalised at Civil Hospital, National Trauma Centre, Everest Hospital and others. Among the injured, several were in critical condition, with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
In response, authorities imposed curfews in areas around New Baneshwor, including the Parliament grounds and residences of the president and vice president, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why are Gen Z protesting beyond the ban?
Beyond the social media ban, the protests also reflected wider grievances among Nepal’s youth. Demonstrators highlighted corruption cases involving senior politicians, including a 2017 Airbus purchase deal that led to losses for the state airline and subsequent convictions following investigations by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
Reports from the protests also highlighted concerns over limited employment opportunities, economic dependence on remittances, and perceptions of inequality, which have fueled dissatisfaction among younger Nepalis.
What is the government’s position and what responses have followed?
The protests compelled an emergency cabinet meeting, after which the government revoked the social media ban, restoring access to all affected platforms. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli expressed regret over the bloodshed. A statement released by Mr. Oli defended the social media ban and blamed “infiltrators” for the violence. He also expressed sorrow over the deaths during the protests. An investigation panel has been ordered to report within 15 days on the causes and preventive measures.
Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned following massive protests in the country. Mr. Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister K.P. Oli on Monday evening on “moral grounds,” a Minister said, following the deaths of 19 people during Gen Z protests in Nepal.
Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung too resigned.
How has India responded?
As the uprising unfolded, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a cautionary advisory urging Indian nationals in Nepal to exercise restraint and follow local directives. India affirmed that it was closely monitoring the situation and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Security has been stepped up in several districts of Uttar Pradesh that share their borders with Nepal, following violent youth-led protests in the Himalayan nation over the ban on social media platforms.
Published – September 09, 2025 01:55 pm IST
