At least 19 people were killed in Nepal protest as Gen Z protests erupted against the government’s ban on social media platforms like Facebook, X, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Youth demand end to corruption and censorship.
One of the most violent youth revolutions in a long time has happened in Nepal. Demonstrators and police clashed, resulting in at least 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The “Gen Z Protests” began when the government blocked 26 prominent social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Snapchat.
At first, the protests were not too awful, but they got worse with time. The police used real gunfire, tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to break up the masses.
Why Did People Start to Protest?
The government of Nepal stunned everyone on September 4, 2025, when it banned huge social media platforms. They underlined how crucial it is to curb the spread of misleading information and illicit acts online. Some critics believed that the ban was a clear attack on digital rights and free speech.
Generation Z is the name of the group of young people in Nepal. Social networking isn’t just a tool for them to have fun. It’s how they talk to each other, get active, and seek employment. Many people were unhappy about the regulations, and they got angrier when they heard more about corruption, nepotism, and unemployment in politics.
The Rise: From the Screen to the Street
By September 8, 2025, the streets of Kathmandu were like a combat zone. Teenagers marched to the Parliament building in New Baneshwor, yelling against corruption and the administration.
- People chanted “No More Nepo Kids” to demonstrate how furious they were at the kids of famous politicians.
- People were outraged all throughout the country, and protests swiftly extended to locations like Pokhara, Butwal, Bharatpur, and Itahari.
- People utilized TikTok and Viber, both of which are okay, to get ready for the protests.
Death Toll and Injuries
The medical staff believes that at least 19 people perished during the raid.
- There were 17 deaths in Kathmandu’s hospitals.
- There were protests in Bharatpur, Pokhara, and other areas that killed more people.
- The battle injured over 100 individuals, including security personnel.
Everest Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College, and the National Trauma Center all reported severe injuries.
What the government did:
The administration asserted that the country’s safety necessitated the ban on social media and its subsequent crackdown. Here are some of the things that were done:
- There are curfews near the Prime Minister’s house and the Parliament in Kathmandu.
- The army and police in Nepal are working together.
- Tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and real bullets are all sorts of force.
- They are closely monitoring the remaining operational sites.
But human rights groups and leaders of the opposition immediately denounced the violent suppression, saying it was a flagrant breach of democratic rights.
Generation Z’s Anger: It’s More Than Just the Ban
The protests show how frustrated people are about social media restrictions.
- People who are demonstrating say that the government isn’t doing enough to stop people from taking bribes and abusing their power.
- “Nepo Kids” and nepotism: Young people are frustrated because political families are so rich and influential.
- Inflation and unemployment: The economy’s woes have made it even tougher for students and other people to find work.
People who grew up online believe that imposing limits on the internet is an attack on their identity and capabilities.
How people from all over the world responded
People who prioritize the preservation of human rights and media across the globe are closely monitoring Nepal. Some individuals believe that deploying deadly force against demonstrators and shutting down web services will make Nepal look less like a democracy.
People who pay attention to what’s going on throughout the world have said:
- It is important to lift the ban on social media immediately.
- There should be independent investigations into incidents of police brutality.
- Talk to the leaders of young people to stop additional fatalities.
What will happen to Nepal in the years to come?
The following few weeks will be incredibly critical. Here are some potential outcomes that could occur:
- Protests could intensify if their demands remain unfulfilled.
- Political Crisis: The government may not be as stable if the opposition keeps putting pressure on it.
- Change in Generations: Gen Z’s activism could have a long-term impact on politics in Nepal.
- Pressure from other countries: They might ask Nepal to give back digital freedom.
Last but not least,
Nepal’s prohibition on social media has caused a tremendous political and generational calamity, murdering 19 young demonstrators. What started as a fight for digital rights has turned into a bigger war against nepotism, corruption, and authoritarian leadership.
Nepal is at a crossroads, and Generation Z’s voice is louder than ever. The government’s response will affect both the country’s freedom on the internet and its survival as a democracy.
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