Kathmandu, Nepal – September 9, 2025: Nepal is gripped by widespread anti-government protests that have escalated into violence, claiming 19 lives and injuring over 200 people. Sparked by a controversial ban on social media platforms, the youth-led movement has forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ramchandra Paudel, plunging the Himalayan nation into a deepening political crisis.
Violent Clashes and Arson Attacks
Protests turned chaotic on Tuesday when demonstrators in Kathmandu set fire to the parliament building. Police responded with tear gas and gunfire, leading to numerous injuries. The unrest, which began on Monday, stems from the government’s decision to impose a ban on social media sites like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Protesters, accusing the administration of corruption, also torched the private residence of PM Oli in Baluwatar, along with homes belonging to Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Communist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
The demonstrations have seen protesters breach security at key government sites, including the prime minister’s office, amid chants demanding accountability and an end to graft.
Resignations of Top Leaders
In a dramatic turn, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday, shortly after hundreds of protesters stormed his office. President Ramchandra Paudel accepted the resignation but soon followed suit, stepping down amid the intensifying crisis. This comes after Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday following a late-night emergency cabinet meeting.
The wave of resignations highlights the severity of the situation, with opposition parties and civil society groups calling for systemic reforms.
Social Media Ban Lifted Amid Backlash
The government had imposed the ban last week, requiring platforms to register locally and comply with monitoring rules, which critics labeled as censorship. Facing mounting pressure, Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the ban’s withdrawal during Monday’s emergency meeting. However, the move failed to quell the protests, as demonstrators violated a curfew in Kathmandu on Tuesday, taking to the streets once more.
Platforms like TikTok and Viber continued operations by adhering to local regulations, while major ones like Facebook and YouTube were temporarily halted.
Youth Anger and Demands for Justice
Dubbed “Gen Z protests,” the movement is driven by young Nepalis frustrated with corruption and lack of opportunities. Student Vishnu Thapa Chhetri told reporters, “We’re protesting against rampant corruption in the country. The situation is so dire that there’s no future here for the youth. We demand peace and an end to corruption.”
Another protester, Narayan Acharya, added, “Our friends are being killed. We’re here for justice and to oust this government from power.”
Over 300 people were reported injured, with many in critical condition at the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu.
Government’s Response and Promises
In a statement, the resigned Prime Minister Oli announced the formation of an inquiry committee to submit a report within 15 days. He pledged compensation for families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations have condemned the government’s social media controls as an assault on freedom of expression and fundamental rights. The ban was seen as part of broader efforts to regulate online content, drawing comparisons to previous restrictions on apps like TikTok in 2023.
Nepal’s political instability, fueled by youth discontent, now faces an uncertain future. With the country in a deep crisis, the focus shifts to how interim authorities will restore order and address the protesters’ grievances.
