*Columns are the opinions of their respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Wichitan as an organization.*
The spark began with social media posts of politicians’ children flaunting their lavish lifestyle, which outraged Gen-Z in Nepal. They began to repost these posts, claiming that these ‘nepo kids’ lived off wealth looted from taxpayers- funding their Ivy League degrees, luxury cars, designer brands and elite healthcare.
On Sept. 4, after Gen-Z began sharing the posts on social media, the Nepal government banned 26 social media platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X [formerly known as Twitter], etc.) under the guise of “registration rule.”
Many saw as a direct attack on freedom of expression. What began as demonstrations against online restrictions quickly grew into a larger movement, with people demanding accountability, transparency, and justice from those in power.
On Sept. 8, many Gen-Z protestors took to the streets in Kathmandu, starting from Maitighar with a silent protest to oppose corruption, nepotism, the social media ban and broader grievances about economic and political inequality. The tragic incident that shook the people of Nepal and the world was the shootout ordered by the Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, which resulted in at least 19 deaths, primarily in Kathmandu and Itahari. Seventeen of the fatalities occurred in the capital, while two others were reported in Itahari, Sunsari District.
The rising death toll and thousands of injuries highlight both the intensity of the clashes and the determination of protesters, especially Gen-Z, who were unwilling to stay silent in the face of government control and political favoritism.
On September 9, 2025, Gen-Z aggressively started to protest. They stormed and set ablaze key government buildings, including politicians’ private properties.
This included: Parliament, the Supreme Court, the president’s residence (Sital Niwas), and the prime minister’s residence (Baluwatar). The International Convention Centre, which housed the Federal Parliament, was also among the structures burned.
The unrest resulted in at least 72 deaths and over 2,100 injuries and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation.
During the Gen-Z–led protests in Nepal, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba, along with Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, were brutally kicked and injured by protesters.
This marked one of the most violent clashes between the younger generation and the country’s top political leaders.
In a historic twist, the Prime Minister was dramatically chosen through Discord, marking a bold step into digital democracy by Nepalese Gen-Z. They elected their first female interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, who also served as the former chief justice.
In just 24 hours, Gen Z changed everything.
A country where women were burned in the name of religion under a patriarchal society now has its first female Prime Minister, shaking the entire world. An amazing incident occurred when the Gen-Z of Nepal began cleaning up the mess they had made after their protest ended. Thanks to Gen-Z for their efforts and for recognizing the work of women. Ultimately, there is a generation that truly understands the significance of gender equality.
Elections are now scheduled for March 5, 2026.
