Nepal Gen Z protestors push for interim government after violent protest over corruption and social media ban. Image: The Conversation.
(The Post News) – Nepal protests quieted down as soldiers patrolled the deserted but tense streets of Kathmandu on Wednesday, imposing a strict curfew after days of violent protests that toppled the government, left at least 30 dead, and sent much of the political establishment underground.
Protests organized by young protesters who identify as the “Gen Z movement” broke out earlier this week after the government shutdown of social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube. The shutdown was lifted Tuesday in the face of public outrage and deadly clashes with the police, but the protests quickly escalated into a full-blown insurrection against corruption, inequality, and political dynasties.
On Wednesday, soldiers occupied crossroads, halted vehicles, and instructed individuals to enter their homes. Government ministers were evacuated to safety by military helicopters as smoke continued to billow from government buildings, parliament, and the prime minister’s residence, all of which had been set ablaze by the protesters.
The military, rarely deployed in Nepal, reported on Tuesday evening that 27 suspected looters were arrested. Prison riots also stretched security: troops fired over the heads of prisoners at Kathmandu’s central prison after guards and prisoners burned guardhouses and tried to escape. Officials said the attempted escape was foiled, and prisoners were moved to other prisons.
Push for Interim Leadership
In the chaos, discussions were started between protest leaders and army commanders on the formation of an interim government. Protesters proposed Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first and sole woman chief justice, to serve as caretaker prime minister. “Karki represents honesty and courage,” said protest activist Sujit Kumar Jha. “She is our best bet when the old establishment has let us down.”
Karki, 73, volunteered to lead, but there are splits among the protest leaders. During a virtual town hall meeting organized on Discord, thousands debated alternatives, with Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and others proposing alternatives too. Shah, however, endorsed Karki, saying the responsibility of the interim government must only be to hold elections and stabilize the nation.
The revolt has killed Nepal’s political elite. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned Tuesday under mounting pressure but vanished from public view shortly afterward. His coalition partner, ex-prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, was assaulted by protesters and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. Social media clips depict both injured, triggering public anger against political elites.
President Ram Chandra Poudel, the ceremonial head of state, accepted Oli’s resignation and appealed for calm, urging protesters to seek “a peaceful resolution.” But protesters say they no longer trust mainstream politicians.
“Gen Z Protest” Widens Scope
What began as anger over censorship has grown into Nepal’s largest youth uprising in generations. Unemployment, graft, and rampant inequality have driven the outrage, which is targeted primarily at “nepo kids,” children and grandchildren of politicians accused of living in luxury while most young people struggle to find work.
Youth unemployment estimates by the World Bank are around 20% during the past year, with up to 2,000 young Nepalis leaving each day for foreign jobs. “This is no longer only about the social media,” explained Rakshya Bam, one of the protesters negotiating with the army. “It’s about a failed system that betrayed our generation.”
Nepal’s health ministry said Thursday that 30 people had been killed and more than 1,000 injured since the protests began. The violence has also heavily affected business and tourism, with hotels, car showrooms, and even the Hilton in Kathmandu having been torched.
Some resorts were torched in the tourist hub of Pokhara. Nepal’s largest media group, Kantipur Publications, also suffered major fire damage. The army has committed to ongoing negotiations with the protesters to form an interim government. Until then, there is a heavy military presence to quiet the streets, and uncertainty hangs over the country.
Political analyst Pranaya Rana noted the decentralized character of the Gen Z protests renders it difficult to come to an agreement: “There are competing voices and competing interests. Whether they can rally behind someone like Karki to lead a transition will determine if Nepal drifts toward stability or more crisis.” For the protesters, the message is still clear: a new generation in politics must emerge.
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