The events that unfolded today, where the government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli faced off with young, largely unorganized Gen Z protestors, reveal the consequences of policy missteps and harsh crackdowns. Scenes from the protest areas show police entering the Civil Hospital, beating students, firing tear gas, and even discharging live rounds in New Baneshwor. Journalists filming the protests were also targeted. While crowd management may be complex, the government is responsible for organizing such situations to minimize harm. Yet, in today’s clashes, young protesters were repeatedly baton-charged, despite their lack of formal organization like a political party or institution.
The Gen Z movement, initially peaceful, was drawn into the streets because government policies and actions disrupted their education and careers. Although some protesters threw stones at the Parliament, it is important to note that the environment allowing them to approach the building was created by the government itself. Security forces deployed water cannons, tear gas, and a significant number of bullets—not just in Kathmandu but also in Itahari, Jhapa, and other locations.
The protests erupted primarily due to the government’s decision to block 26 social media platforms across Nepal, which directly impacted the Gen Z generation that relies heavily on the internet for information, education, and livelihood. Many young Nepalese are forced to work abroad, and shutting down social media not only silenced their voices but also restricted their income-generating opportunities. The move aggravated an already frustrated generation, further fueled by incidents such as the negligence of political leaders toward citizens’ safety, exemplified by a traffic accident in Godawari involving a minister’s vehicle that harmed a young girl, for which no accountability was enforced.
Social media, a primary platform for the Gen Z generation to raise awareness about corruption and government inefficiency, was abruptly restricted by the Oli government without adequate consultation with political parties or stakeholders in Parliament. This heavy-handed approach disregarded the economic and social implications for the youth.
Prime Minister Oli’s government, instead of negotiating with the Gen Z movement or addressing their demands, appeared to exacerbate tensions. Leaders from major political parties—including Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal—failed to provide platforms for Gen Z policy participation or employment opportunities. The lack of inclusive policy-making, combined with visible disparities in wealth and privilege between political elites and ordinary citizens, has fueled deep frustration.
As a result, protests escalated, and tragically, at least 19 young protesters lost their lives, while hundreds of students and youth were injured and admitted to hospitals nationwide. Many protesters were detained, and the Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak appeared ready to resign. The Prime Minister has reportedly considered retreating from the immediate confrontation, but the political consequences of today’s violence will demand accountability from the ruling parties, which may not be easily borne.
Even political groups attempting to capitalize on the sentiment, such as the Maoist faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, will face skepticism from the Gen Z generation, who are acutely aware of decades of unfulfilled promises and the luxurious lifestyles of political elites and their families. The younger generation is demanding transparency, accountability, and meaningful inclusion in governance and policy-making—a demand that the current political leadership can no longer ignore.
