Nepal Plunges into Crisis: Gen Z Uprising Forces PM Oli’s Resignation Amid Deadly Clashes and Arson

Nepal Reels from Gen Z Uprising: PM Oli Resigns Amid Deadly Protests and Arson

Kathmandu, Nepal – September 10, 2025 – Nepal is in the grip of a profound political crisis following a wave of intense youth-led protests that have culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and widespread unrest across the nation. The demonstrations, largely driven by Generation Z, erupted following a government ban on social media platforms, quickly escalating into a national outcry against corruption, unemployment, and political elitism. The violent confrontations between protesters and security forces resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 19 young people confirmed dead, and hundreds more injured.

Roots of the Rebellion: Social Media Ban Ignites Deeper Discontent

The immediate trigger for the widespread demonstrations was the government’s abrupt decision to ban 26 social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, on September 4, 2025. While officials cited the need to tackle misinformation and hate speech, the move was widely perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent. This sparked a “Gen Z protest,” as news outlets dubbed it, primarily led by young Nepalese citizens. The protests soon broadened to encompass long-standing grievances regarding corruption, economic disparity, and the perceived opulent lifestyles of the country’s political elite. Youth unemployment, officially reported at over 20 percent in recent years, and a significant reliance on remittances from citizens working abroad underscore the limited domestic economic opportunities, fueling widespread disillusionment.

Escalation of Violence and Destruction

The situation rapidly deteriorated as protests, which began peacefully, turned violent. Demonstrators stormed and torched several key government buildings, including the federal parliament complex, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s office. The private residences of several high-profile political leaders were also attacked and set ablaze. The Supreme Court, in particular, suffered extensive damage, with over 60,000 case files reportedly destroyed by fire, leading to the indefinite suspension of all court hearings. Reports indicate that police responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and eventually live ammunition in an effort to disperse the crowds. The Nepal Army has since stepped in, taking charge of security with military personnel deployed across Kathmandu and other cities, imposing curfews and restrictive orders to restore order.

Political Fallout and Regional Implications

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, following intense pressure from the escalating unrest. His resignation has created a significant political vacuum in the country, with a new prime minister yet to be appointed. The crisis echoes recent youth-led uprisings in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, highlighting the fragility of democratic institutions in South Asia.

The escalating situation has drawn international attention. India, a close neighbor, has expressed deep concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the violence as “heart-rending” and appealed for peace, emphasizing the importance of Nepal’s stability, peace, and prosperity. India has also issued an advisory urging its citizens to defer travel to Nepal and to shelter in place if already there. Airlines have cancelled flights to Kathmandu, and the Indian government is closely monitoring developments.

The aftermath of the protests has exposed deep structural failures within Nepal’s political and economic systems. The nation now faces the immediate priorities of ensuring civilian protection, investigating the use of force, and navigating a path towards political stabilization while guarding against opportunistic external influences. The “Gen Z” movement has made it clear that their voices for accountability and reform will not be silenced.