Nepal is living through one of its most dramatic weeks in recent history. What began as anger over a social media ban has transformed into a nationwide youth led movement against corruption, nepotism, and inequality. At the center of it all is Gen Z, a generation that has turned frustration into a demand for real change on september 8 2025.
From Online Ban to Nationwide Uprising
The government’s decision to block Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social platforms ignited the first spark. Young people saw the move as censorship but their outrage quickly grew into something larger. For years, frustration had been building over corruption, lack of opportunity and political elites protecting their own families. The ban simply lit the fuse.
Deadly Crackdown
The protests, though peaceful at first, turned violent when police moved in. Security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and even live rounds. Witnesses say some officers fired metal bullets directly at students, even aiming at their heads, despite the fact many were still in school uniforms. In just two days, at least 19 protesters were killed and hundreds were injured.
The crackdown has been widely condemned as unethical and disproportionate. Yet, despite the violence, young demonstrators refused to back down, chanting for justice and accountability as they faced soldiers in the streets.
Symbols of Power Burned
On the second day of protests, 9 September 2025, the anger reached its peak.The fury also targeted the private homes of leaders accused of corruption. Arju Rana and her husband, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, saw their residence set on fire, and Deuba was reportedly injured while trying to escape. Prime Minister Oli’s house was also torched. In a more human moment, Nepalese politician Lekhnath Dahal fled his home, leaving behind his elderly mother. Protesters discovered her and cared for her, highlighting the mix of anger and compassion in the streets.
However, the movement’s original goals were partially hijacked by outsiders. Some members of political parties infiltrated the protests, causing unnecessary destruction beyond the Gen Z agenda. This misuse of the movement overshadowed some of the original purpose, which was not about personal vendettas or property damage but ending corruption and promoting accountability.
Gen Z at the Frontlines
What makes these protests historic is the leadership of Gen Z. Teenagers and young adults organized through hashtags and online groups before the bann and even after restrictions, they found creative ways to spread the word.
This generation has brought boldness and energy to the streets. Facing tear gas, gunfire, and hijacked protests, they have shown that their demand is not just for internet freedom but for a new Nepal built on justice and accountability.
Oli Resigns Under Pressure
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned later that day, on September 9, after two days of violent clashes. He remains as a caretaker leader, but many protesters believe his resignation is only the beginning. They are demanding deeper reforms, new elections and an end to corruption at every level of government.
Army and Curfews
The army has been deployed in Kathmandu to guard burned out government offices, enforce curfews, and restore order. Meanwhile, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily shut down, with flights diverted to India. Schools, businesses and much of public life remain on hold as the capital recovers from days of chaos.
