In early September 2025, Nepal was gripped by large-scale protests following the government’s decision to ban 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, due to failure to register under new regulatory laws. The ban triggered widespread anger, especially among youth activists, who used social media to expose deep-rooted government corruption and the privileges enjoyed by politicians' families, known as the "nepo kids" phenomenon.
The protests, predominantly led by Generation Z, spread across Kathmandu and other cities. Demonstrators stormed the parliament and clashed with police. Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition in attempts to disperse crowds. At least 19 people were reported killed, and over 100 injured during the unrest.
Protestors targeted symbols of government power, including setting fire to the Prime Minister’s residence in Damak. The widespread unrest forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee the country. The Home Minister also submitted his resignation in the wake of the crisis.
Amid the violence, the government lifted the social media ban less than a day after its implementation, aiming to quell unrest and address the demands of protesters for transparency, anti-corruption measures, and restoration of freedoms. However, the protests highlight ongoing dissatisfaction with corruption, inequality, and political accountability in Nepal.
Sources
- Wikipedia — 2025 Nepalese Gen Z Protests
- BBC News — Nepal lifts social media ban after 19 killed in protests
- New York Times — Social media restoration after Nepal protests
- AP News — Nepal PM Oli quits after violent protests
- TIME Magazine — Background on Nepal’s deadly Gen Z protests
- CNN — Nepal's Prime Minister resignation amid deadly Gen Z protests
- Reuters — Nepal lifts ban after deadly protests
- Al Jazeera — 19 killed in Nepal protests against corruption and internet bans
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