Sm Nahiduzzaman
Kathmandu, Nepal — One of the most unstable Nepali situations from the past few years is the one currently facing the country with protests spreading like wildfires throughout the area. Stemming from a blend of political dissatisfaction, the government’s decision to block the flow of information via social media, and accusations of corruption, the turmoil has been driving the city to become set on fire, impeding the regular flow of municipal buildings, and citizens with their demands for fundamental reforms.
What has now turned a series of marches into a maelstrom of protest issues is the mix of themes being raised in demonstrations: accusations of corruption being the root of almost everything, although at the same time citizens being tired of being ruled by a handful of families, and especially the youth’s impatience calling the dominant governance culture of nepotism by so-called “Nepo-Kids”. On top of the protest were the disturbances caused by the Internet shutdown, and it seemed like all of a sudden Nepal was at the crossroads of a political-social upheaval.
The Spark: A Ban on Social Media
The ban on social media was the immediate cause of the unrest. The government alleged that social media platforms were responsible for the spread of false information and the disruption of social harmony and hence decided to restrict access to such platforms. At that time, the accessibility of those digital communication methods was cut off if not shut down in the country through the fastest means of the likes of TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
Given that over 70% of Nepal’s population is under 35 years of age, the ban was interpreted as violating the collective digital right to freedom of expression. It was also considered as a way to isolate the youth from the world and limit the flow of their ideas through creative online avenues and communities.
“Instead of addressing corruption and restlessness, they choose to silence us,” said a protester in Kathmandu, holding a smashed mobile phone aloft as the crowd confronted riot police with bricks and clubs.
The power failure did not have the intended effect. Furious young people hit the streets, but, as they could not communicate openly, they used VPNs, encrypted apps, and even spoken words to pass the message. The initial small group meetings grew very fast, after a couple of days, they were not merely local but they spread throughout the whole country.
Corruption: A Powder Kine Years in the Making
Despite the fact that the social media ban might be considered as the ignition of the flare, Nepal’s deeper issues still remain intact and these issues have been there for quite a long time. People talk about elites that get richer and richer while the rest of the population that is living in inflation, losing job, and lacking the necessary services is finding it hard to live.
Over the last few days, several scandals have been adding fuel to the fire of people’s anger. Among such stories are high-ranking politician’s stealing millions of development funds that are supposed to be used for rebuilding the affected areas and for bettering the local infrastructure, thus triggering the feeling of being betrayed.
“Hospitals are empty, schools are going down, and nevertheless, politicians ride in luxury SUVs,” said a teacher from Pokhara who attended the protests.
The latest ranking of Transparency International puts Nepal among the countries with a high level of corruption. To a lot of people, this was the last straw: a government that is seen as putting its interests first, being far away from the reality, and not willing to face the consequences of its actions.
The ‘Nepo Kids’ Backlash
The rage of the people is now fed with the addition of resentment towards the kids of Nepal’s powerful political families. The group called “Nepo Kids” — short for nepotism kids — are those who quite often have the opportunity to live through the career without the usual administrative procedures, to get government contracts, or party influence just because of their family ties.
Most of the protesters view this lifestyle of privilege and unspeakable benevolence as the epitome of the various complexities of the political system metaphorically.
“If once the son of a minister lacks experience and becomes a minister just like that, and the daughter of a party leader gets contracts worth millions, what future do we have?” a university student leading the chants outside the parliament asked rhetorically.
The feeling rallies students and workers as well as parts of the middle class together, which is an unusual phenomenon.
Deadly Escalations
The riots that the military had to intervene soon became deadly.
Trying to suppress the demonstrations, security forces, depending on the situations, used tear gas, fired rubber bullets, and in some cases also live shots.
Along with the reports, a few victims’ videos that circulate on the internet – some of which were secretly recorded and smuggled out despite the internet restrictions – show students gravely wounded, police shooting at the crowd, and barricades on fire being set in the large cities.
The violent incident has led to concerns over the international community, with the UN and regional neighbors asking for calm and peaceful solutions.
Government’s Response: Denial and Crackdown
For now, the government, however, denies the existence of protests. Administrators in their statements propagate the idea that “foreign elements” and “anti-national forces” are instigating the protests, while propagandistic talk finds little acceptance among the protesters.
Social network censorship was framed by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), as a temporary step to preserve order. At the same time, the police have brought a number of activists, journalists, and opposition leaders, into custody, and as a result, the situation has escalated further.
In the meantime, the authorities have imposed curfews in several towns, and there are security inspection stations everywhere in Kathmandu. They have also sent armored vehicles to the area for patrolling.
A Youth-Led Movement
The demonstrations, despite the severe persecution, are mainly notable for the overwhelming youth leadership. University students, gig workers, and young professionals make up the youth of the movement and are seen organizing rallies, printing underground newsletters, and when the opportunity comes, filming the conflicts.
This surge of activism is regarded as a generational revolt — Nepal’s young people sending out a loud and clear signal that they will no longer accept being marginalized in a system plagued by corruption, nepotism, and political stagnation.
Regional and Global Implications
Nepal’s unrest has not gone unnoticed internationally. The country’s strategic location between India and China makes stability a matter of regional concern. Both neighbors are watching closely, wary of potential spillover effects or shifts in alliances.
Aid organizations, meanwhile, warn that prolonged violence could derail Nepal’s fragile economy, which relies heavily on remittances, tourism, and foreign investment. With tourists canceling trips and businesses closing amid uncertainty, the economic impact is already being felt.
What Happens Next?
Nepal stands at a crossroads. Protesters demand an immediate lift of the social media ban, an independent investigation into corruption scandals, and reforms to curb nepotism in politics. The government, however, appears unwilling to make concessions, betting instead on force and control.
If history is any guide, sustained pressure from the streets could force negotiations, but the risk of further bloodshed looms large. The movement has already claimed lives, and without a shift in leadership’s stance, more tragedy may follow.
For now, the voice of Nepal’s youth is clear: they are tired of being silenced, tired of corruption, and tired of watching power pass from one elite family to another. Whether their demands spark meaningful reform — or push the country deeper into crisis — remains to be seen.
Violence and Casualties: A Nation on Edge
The government’s heavy-handed response has only fueled the fire.
Police have used tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. In some cities, eyewitnesses reported live ammunition being used. Human rights groups say dozens have been injured, and at least a handful of deaths have occurred, though authorities downplay the numbers.
Hospitals in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar report a surge in admissions of protesters with head injuries, broken bones, and breathing problems from tear gas exposure. Families mourn in silence, while officials describe them as “unfortunate accidents.”
The brutality has drawn international criticism. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have urged restraint, warning that further violence could destabilize Nepal’s fragile democracy.
Government Denial and Crackdown
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known as Prachanda, insists the protests are manipulated by “foreign elements” and “anti-national forces.” His administration claims the social media ban is temporary, a necessary measure to maintain unity.
Yet arrests of journalists, student leaders, and opposition figures tell a different story. Several media houses have reported intimidation, with reporters beaten or detained while covering clashes.
Curfews are now in effect in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and parts of Terai, with checkpoints set up and armored vehicles patrolling streets. Still, protesters gather in defiance, chanting slogans and staging flash demonstrations that vanish before police can intervene.
What Protesters Want
Protesters’ demands are clear:
- Lift the social media ban immediately.
- Independent investigations into corruption scandals.
- End nepotism in politics, with merit-based reforms.
- Accountability for security force violence.
- Long-term reforms for transparency and inclusion.
Whether the government will respond remains uncertain. For now, it appears committed to force rather than negotiation, but cracks are beginning to show within ruling parties as pressure mounts.
A Crossroads for Nepal
Nepal now stands at a decisive moment. Either leaders will hear the voices of a restless generation and take steps toward reform, or they will double down on repression, risking deeper chaos.
For the young people leading this movement, the struggle is personal and existential. They see themselves as the future of Nepal — and they refuse to inherit a broken system.
As night falls in Kathmandu, chants echo across darkened streets despite curfews. The message is unmistakable: Nepal’s youth are demanding change, and they will not be silenced.
At Last,The protests in Nepal are more than a reaction to a social media ban — they are a collective cry against corruption, nepotism, and a system that many feel has failed them. As youth continue to lead the charge, Nepal’s leaders face a defining choice: embrace reform and dialogue, or risk pushing the nation into deeper unrest. The world is watching, but the future of Nepal will ultimately depend on whether its rulers listen to the voices rising from the streets.
