Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, witnessed violent clashes on Monday as Gen-Z-led protests turned deadly, claiming 19 lives and forcing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation. The unrest, sparked by a social media ban, reveals deeper frustrations with corruption and nepotism, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli refusing to yield. Here’s a breakdown of the escalating situation in the Himalayan nation.
Key Highlights of the Unrest
- Trigger of Protests: The demonstrations erupted after Nepal banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, on Friday for failing to register under new regulations.
- Violent Clashes: Protesters breached barricades near Parliament, prompting police to use live bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and batons. Over 400 were injured, including 100+ officers. Survivor Iman Magar, 20, told AFP, “I joined for a peaceful protest, but the government used force,” after being hit in the arm.
- Government Response: PM Oli, leading a Communist-led coalition, defends the ban as “in the national interest,” citing tax compliance and misinformation control. Lekhak resigned during a Monday cabinet meeting, signaling internal pressure.
- Kathmandu Under Curfew: A curfew persists in key areas like Parliament, the President’s residence, and Singha Durbar. Some protesters scaled Parliament walls, damaging its gate.
- Global Outcry: The UN, via spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, demanded a “swift and transparent probe” into alleged excessive force. Amnesty International echoed calls for investigating live ammunition use. Learn more about global reactions in our world news section.
- Deeper Issues: Beyond the ban, 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari told a news agency, “We’re protesting institutional corruption in Nepal,” highlighting broader discontent.
- “Nepo Kids” Role: Viral TikTok videos contrasting ordinary Nepalis’ struggles with politicians’ lavish-living children—termed “Nepo Kids” (nepotism)—have fueled the movement, alongside recent corruption scandals.
- Platform Compliance: Telegram faced a July ban for fraud, and TikTok a nine-month restriction last year. Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live registered, but Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram) has not responded.
- Border Vigil: India has heightened security along Uttar Pradesh’s Nepal border, while Nepal’s army enforces curfews in Terai regions near India.
- What’s Next?: Calm returned after Monday’s chaos, but Oli’s refusal to lift the ban leaves uncertainty hanging. Stay updated with our breaking news alerts.
The Bigger Picture
The Gen-Z uprising, initially about social media access, reflects years of frustration with governance and inequality. The “Nepo Kids” trend, mirroring global youth movements, has amplified calls for accountability. With tensions simmering, Nepal’s political landscape faces a critical juncture.