In September 2025, Nepal experienced an unprecedented youth movement known as the ‘Gen Z Protests’. This mass movement was mainly led by students and youth.
It began as a protest against the ban on social media platforms, which soon turned into a widespread revolt against corruption, nepotism, misuse of government funds, and political irresponsibility.
The protests spread rapidly, leading to violent clashes in major urban areas of the country. Several senior government officials were forced to resign, and there was extensive damage to government infrastructure. At least 51 people were killed during the protest.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was forced to resign due to nationwide violent protests led by Gen-Z on 8 and 9 September against his government over corruption, nepotism, and social media ban.
As of now, there is a situation of the formation of an Interim Government. As per media reports, Sushila Karki is set to take the oath as the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal.
Background Of Gen Z Protests
On 4 September 2025, the Nepal government announced a ban on 26 social media services, including Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, Signal, and Snapchat.
The reason given behind this was that these companies had not registered under the new rules of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
But opponents believed that the move was motivated by political interests. Earlier, a viral online trend highlighted the special privileges and nepotism given to the children of influential politicians. The campaign was led by Gen Z users, which brought out the long-suppressed resentment within the public.
Major Events Of The Protests
8 September 2025:
- Massive protests took place in Maitighar Mandala and New Baneshwor.
- The movement was leaderless and mainly involved youth against corruption and the social media ban.
- Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and live rounds during an attempt to enter the Parliament building.
- Protesters hoisted the Jolly Roger flag of the Straw Hat Pirates.
- The government withdrew the social media ban the same evening.
- Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned.
- Curfew was imposed in Kathmandu, Birgunj, Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Butwal, Itahari and Damak.
- 19 people were killed and 347 injured in the incidents.
9 September 2025:
- Despite the lifting of the ban, protests spread across the country. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down and moved to the Shivapuri army cantonment.
- Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, Shital Niwas, Baluwatar and Parliament House were set on fire by protesters.
- Homes of leaders Deuba, Bhandari, Khanal and Prachanda were attacked and torched.
- UML and Nepali Congress offices were vandalised.
- The army took control of Tribhuvan International Airport; flights were cancelled and diverted.
- Prisons in Kathmandu, Kaski and Kailali were attacked, leading to the escape of hundreds of prisoners, including Rabi Lamichhane.
- Local government offices were attacked in Karnali and Koshi provinces.
- Three policemen were killed during clashes in Koteshwar.
- The Nepal vs Bangladesh football match was cancelled.
- Army Chief Ashok Raj Singdel appealed for peace talks.
Why Was Social Media Banned In Nepal?
The Nepal government imposed the ban after major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X did not comply with new regulatory rules. Under these rules:
- Companies had to register locally in Nepal.
- A local representative had to be appointed.
- Follow future laws related to revenue regulations, prevention of misinformation and monitoring of digital content.
- The Supreme Court upheld the registration requirement, but it did not explicitly validate the ban. The ban was imposed when the companies could not register within the stipulated seven-day deadline.