Nepal is teetering on the brink of a full-blown crisis as a massive, youth-led protest movement escalates dramatically, with demonstrators setting fire to the private residence of President Ram Chandra Paudel. The "Gen Z Revolution," initially sparked by a controversial government ban on social media, has intensified into a nationwide uprising fueled by deep-seated anger over corruption and inequality. The death toll from clashes has now climbed to at least 19, with the government responding with a severe crackdown that includes curfews and the deployment of the army, drawing sharp condemnation from the international community.
What began as a demonstration in Kathmandu has now spread like wildfire across the country. On the second day of the protests, violence erupted in multiple districts. In the capital, furious mobs targeted the homes of senior political leaders, including the President, pelting stones and setting fires. Beyond Kathmandu, the unrest has paralyzed other regions. In the Far-West Province, demonstrators stormed the Chief Minister’s Office, while in Sarlahi, local offices of major political parties were set ablaze. Protesters have also blocked major transportation arteries like the East-West Highway, bringing parts of the country to a standstill and signaling a rapid loss of government control.
The government of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is facing a severe political crisis, struggling to contain the outrage. In response to the escalating violence, authorities have imposed sweeping curfews and deployed the Nepal Army to enforce order in protest-hit areas. As the pressure mounts, cracks are appearing within the ruling coalition. Two government ministers, including the Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, have resigned in protest over what they termed the state's "authoritarian response" and "widespread suppression." In a late bid to de-escalate, Prime Minister Oli has called for an all-party meeting, even as he blames the violence on "infiltration by unwanted elements." In a significant concession, the government also announced it was walking back the social media ban that ignited the protests.
The deadly crackdown has drawn swift and concerned reactions from the international community. The United Nations issued a statement expressing shock at the killings and injuries, urging a "prompt and transparent investigation" into the "disproportionate use of force by security forces." The UN has called on Nepali authorities to respect the rights of peaceful assembly and to reconsider the social media regulations. India, describing Nepal as a "close friend and neighbor," issued a travel advisory for its citizens, appealing for a return to "peaceful means and dialogue" while expressing deep sadness over the loss of young lives.
The movement, organized by youth-led groups like Hami Nepal under the leadership of activist Sudan Gurung, has successfully channeled digital-age frustration into a powerful, coordinated force. The government's initial attempt to stifle dissent by banning social media has backfired spectacularly, unleashing a wave of fury that has now pushed the nation into its most serious political crisis in years.
· Massive Escalation of Violence: The "Gen Z" protests in Nepal have intensified, with demonstrators setting fire to the President's private residence and the death toll from clashes rising to at least 19.
· Nationwide Unrest: The protests have spread beyond the capital to multiple provinces, involving attacks on political offices and major highway blockades.
· Government in Crisis: The government has responded with curfews and army deployment, a move that has prompted the resignation of two ministers in protest of the harsh crackdown.
· International Concern: The United Nations has condemned the "disproportionate use of force" and called for an investigation, while India has issued a travel advisory and appealed for peace.
