Kathmandu – Nepal witnessed a violent upheaval last week as digitally networked youth, widely referred to as Gen Z protestors, took to the streets demanding systemic reforms. What began as outrage over a ban on 26 social media platforms quickly escalated into a nationwide revolt against political corruption, unemployment, and poor governance under the Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli administration.
The unrest left at least 72 people dead and more than 1,000 injured as protesters torched parliament, hotels, shops, and even set fire to politicians’ homes. Crowds chased lawmakers through the streets, demanding accountability and sweeping reforms.
Roots of Discontent
Nepal’s democratic journey, which began in 1979 with student-led movements forcing a referendum on multi-party democracy, has repeatedly been derailed by corruption and misrule. Analysts say that the recent social media blackout revealed a form of “networked authoritarianism,” designed to defend state power. Instead, it became the catalyst for youth already frustrated by economic stagnation and elite privilege.
The Digital Signature of Protest
The uprising carried a strong digital imprint. Sudan Gurung (36), founder of Hami Nepal (We Are Nepal), mobilised tens of thousands through the Discord app and Instagram, bypassing bans with VPNs. Using proxy identities for security, Gurung and his team coordinated high-risk strategies that ultimately forced Oli to resign.
Their movement culminated in the appointment of Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Chief Justice known for her anti-corruption stance, as the country’s first woman interim Prime Minister. She will lead until elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Voices of Gen Z
Leaders of the Gen Z movement, Arjun Shahi and Tanaka Dhami, told India Today on September 14 that their protests were not only against Oli but against the entire political and bureaucratic elite.
“This is a do-or-die situation,” they said, vowing to continue until systemic reforms ensure accountability. The movement, they stressed, is not about deciding who governs but about restructuring the system itself.
Their revolt targeted “nepo kids” and entrenched elites flaunting wealth, framing the unrest as an intergenerational clash. The slogan “Rise up from every village, rise up from every town” went viral across TikTok, VPNs, and messaging platforms, amplifying the mobilisation.
Interim Leadership and Regional Implications
Interim Prime Minister Karki has pledged to act as a bridge to elections, insisting her government will follow the thinking and aspirations of the youth. Gen Z leaders, meanwhile, have called for foreign investment, particularly from India, to fuel Nepal’s economic revival.
For New Delhi, Nepal remains a vital neighbour with a 1,750 km open border spanning five Indian states and a shared cultural and religious heritage. India also hosts a large Nepali diaspora and continues to rely on 43,000 Gurkha soldiers deployed across sensitive regions including Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while congratulating Karki, reaffirmed India’s commitment to Nepal’s peace, prosperity, and stability. With Karki’s credibility and knowledge of bilateral sensitivities, both sides are expected to prioritise cross-border trade, limiting Chinese influence, and safeguarding regional stability.
