Nineteen Dead, Prime Minister Resigns as Nepal’s Gen Z Rises Against Social-Media Crackdown

Nineteen Dead, Prime Minister Resigns as Nepal’s Gen Z Rises Against Social-Media Crackdown

Nepal has been plunged into turmoil after the government’s sudden ban on major social-media platforms sparked massive youth-led demonstrations across the country. The ban, which blocked apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, was widely seen as an attempt to stifle dissent.

The protests, driven largely by Gen Z activists, escalated into violent clashes with security forces, leaving at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured. Demonstrators also attempted to storm parliament in Kathmandu, voicing wider anger at corruption, nepotism, and poor governance.

In response to the unrest, the government lifted the social-media ban and imposed an indefinite curfew in the capital. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, alongside President Ram Chandra Poudel, amid mounting pressure.

Authorities have pledged relief measures, including compensation for victims’ families, free medical care, and an investigative panel to probe the violence. However, many protesters insist that deeper reforms are needed to address systemic corruption and unemployment.