Last Updated:
On Monday, young demonstrators issued a strongly worded statement accusing the Nepal government and political parties of brutally repressing peaceful protests.
Protesters try to enter the Nepali Congress Party office in Balkhu area of the city during a protest, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (Image: PTI)
Is it just a social media ban, or something deeper fueling Nepal’s unrest? That question is circulating widely, as journalists and experts point to a deeper crisis that has driven Gen Z to the streets.
On Monday, young demonstrators issued a strongly worded statement accusing the Nepal government and political parties of brutally repressing peaceful protests. They declared their refusal to accept the continuation of the current political leadership, accusing the state of betraying public trust, turning democracy into authoritarianism, and perpetuating a cycle of dynastic rule and oppression.
Recommended Stories
In their statement, the protesters announced a movement to remove all sitting leaders from power and placed five core demands before the government:
- Dissolution of Parliament – the complete disbanding of the current legislature.
- Mass resignation of parliamentarians – with all members required to step down.
- Suspension of senior officials implicated in violent crackdowns, particularly those who issued “shoot-to-kill” orders.
- Formation of an interim government led by a representative chosen according to protesters’ recommendations.
- Early elections under the supervision of the interim administration.
While the immediate trigger was the government’s late-night decision to ban social media, observers stress that the anger is far more deep-rooted.
Journalists on the ground explain that the movement has its roots in the “Nepo Baby” campaign launched months ago. The campaign, which went viral among students, highlighted how politicians’ children flaunt lavish lifestyles, even as ordinary citizens struggled with economic hardship. The campaign struck a powerful chord with Gen Z, and the social media ban became the final spark.
Speaking to News18, senior Nepali journalist Namrata Sharma said: “This is accumulated frustration of Gen Z. Young people want quality education, but they are not getting it. The education system is weak, leading to brain drain. There is rising unemployment, and government schemes are often limited to those with political connections. On top of that, there is a lack of good teachers. The recent political change in Bangladesh has also left an impression on Nepal’s youth.”
Another senior journalist added that Gen Z has grown “disillusioned with rampant corruption, the poor education system, and the lack of job opportunities that could keep them in Nepal. The government’s social media ban acted as the final trigger.”
Although the government has lifted the social media ban and both the Home Minister and Agriculture Minister have resigned, unrest continues. Reports have emerged of damage to properties belonging to ministers, and the ‘Prachanda’ house also reportedly got attacked, despite his attempts to show sympathy for their movement.
Ground sources suggest that Gen Z is now past the point of return, raising fears that the crisis in Nepal could escalate further in the coming days.
About the Author
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East… Read More
September 09, 2025, 13:01 IST
Loading comments…
Read More
