On September 8, 2025, Nepal witnessed the rise of the Gen-Z protests, beginning in Kathmandu and quickly spreading to other major cities.
While the immediate spark was the government’s sudden ban on popular social media platforms, the demonstrations went far beyond digital rights.
For many young Nepalis, this was a breaking point after years of frustration with corruption, political instability, and a lack of accountability from leaders.
Corruption and Political Power Games in Nepal
For decades, Nepal has been dominated by the so-called “big three” parties, which have often exchanged power among themselves in ways that shield leaders from corruption charges.
Whenever one figure faced allegations, leadership roles were shuffled to divert attention, leaving the public with the impression that the system is designed to protect politicians rather than the people.
This pattern has fueled widespread cynicism, especially among the youth, who feel their future is being compromised by endless political games.
Why is This Happening?
The Gen-Z protests in Nepal were not only about the sudden social media ban, they were also a loud outcry against corrupt ministers and officials who have long betrayed public trust.
Ordinary citizens face excessive taxes and endless delays in government offices, yet payments must be made on time or essential services are cut off. This system reflects nothing but visible corruption.
Meanwhile, the lavish lifestyles of political families highlight the double standards. A minister’s monthly salary might be around one lakh, yet their children live extravagantly far beyond those means. It raises the question: where does all this money come from?
Even more ironic, leaders who swore an oath to improve Nepal consistently send their own children abroad for education. If they truly believed in the changes they promised, why wouldn’t they trust the very institutions they govern?
At the same time, many educated and capable citizens are forced to seek opportunities overseas, while influential government jobs are handed out through political connections and favoritism. This not only stifles merit but also weakens the possibility of real social service at home.
The unstable education system adds to the frustration. Exams and results are often delayed for months, but processes like obtaining passports and work permits to leave the country are handled at lightning speed. It leaves young Nepalis asking: Does our government want us to build Nepal, or simply push us out of it?
What was Expected from Gen-Z Protest?
The elders of Nepal placed their trust in the Gen-Z protesters, believing the demonstrations would remain peaceful. They saw the youth as the future of the country and expected them to voice their concerns responsibly in the streets.
This trust was not misplaced, after all, Nepal has witnessed countless protests led by political parties over the decades. But the Gen-Z protest stood apart. It was not fueled by party politics, nor led by leaders seeking power. Instead, it was driven by ordinary individuals demanding justice, transparency, and a fair government system.
At its core, this protest gave voice to the struggles of millions of Nepalis forced to migrate abroad for work, leaving behind their families in tears. If given real opportunities at home, these people would much rather stay in Nepal, living with their loved ones and contributing to the nation’s development.
The hope was that this would be a peaceful, friendly, and non-violent protest, a demonstration of unity that carried no extravagance but only a sincere desire to secure a better future for the country.
From Streets to Struggle: Violence and Casualties
The protests, however, took a tragic turn.
Students marched in their school uniforms, books still in their backpacks, believing that peaceful voices would be enough to awaken the conscience of the nation. But the country’s corrupt leadership thought only of safeguarding their power and property. According to reports, security forces were instructed to open fire if public property was damaged. A chilling reflection of where the government’s priorities lie.
What was expected to be a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into violence. Police used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition against unarmed citizens.
By the end, at least 19 protesters had been killed and hundreds injured across the country.
Unarmed civilians should never be targets of live fire, least of all students. If any “shoot order” was issued, it should have been limited to rubber bullets for crowd control. Instead, horrifying eyewitness accounts and footage showed gunfire aimed at chests, heads, and even through the ears of protesters.
These scenes painted a grim picture: the very government sworn to protect its citizens had become a predator, hunting its own people.
What began as a protest against a social media ban and systemic corruption transformed into a lethal confrontation against decades of mismanagement, political instability, and brutality at the hands of state forces.
The role of the police, who should have been guardians of public safety, turned them into the enforcers of violence, further fueling nationwide outrage and deepening public mistrust of those in power.
The message of the Gen-Z Protest
For many in Nepal, the Gen-Z movement is more than just a youth uprising; it represents a call for real accountability and systemic change in a country where promises of reform have too often been undermined by political maneuvering.
The Gen-Z protest carried a message far greater than opposition to a social media ban. It was a declaration that young Nepalis will no longer tolerate corruption, nepotism, and endless political games that have defined the country’s leadership for decades.
At its heart, the movement demanded accountability, justice, and opportunities at home, so that students are not forced abroad for education and workers are not compelled to leave their families behind to survive.
Unlike party-driven uprisings of the past, this was a citizen-led movement fueled by ordinary individuals who believe in peaceful change, envision the best and to be heard. The message was clear: Gen-Z is fighting for dignity, fairness, and the chance to build a better Nepal within Nepal itself.
Final Words
This is my personal assessment of the events, intended to offer some insight through this post.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the situation, I strongly recommend staying updated through reliable media channels like News24, AvenuesTV, Onlinekhabar, and following ongoing developments closely.
From the Gen-Z protests rises a message of hope:
Change is possible when the youth take a stand for justice, fairness, and the promise of a better tomorrow.