Nepal has been engulfed in its most severe political crisis in decades, with violent protests led by Generation Z demonstrators resulting in at least 34 deaths and over 1,300 injuries since Monday, September 8, 2025. The unrest, initially sparked by a government ban on social media platforms, has evolved into a broader anti-corruption movement that forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and plunged the Himalayan nation into uncertainty.
Prime Minister Resigns Amid Violence
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli submitted his resignation on Tuesday afternoon, September 9, following two consecutive days of deadly protests. In his resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel, Oli cited the "extraordinary circumstances" prevailing in the country and the need to "facilitate further efforts toward a constitutional political solution". The resignation came after army reportedly advised him to step down, stating the military could only stabilize the situation if he relinquished power.
Escalating Death Toll and Widespread Violence
The protests, dubbed the "Gen Z movement" due to the predominant participation of young people aged 13 to 28, have resulted in significant casualties. According to Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population, the death toll reached 34 by Thursday, with 1,368 others injured. Of those injured, 949 people have been discharged from hospitals.
The violence began on Monday when security forces opened fire on protesters attempting to breach the Federal Parliament building in Kathmandu. Police used live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets against demonstrators. Seventeen protesters were killed in Kathmandu on the first day, with two additional deaths reported in the southeastern city of Itahari.
Government Buildings Torched, Mass Prison Breaks
The unrest escalated dramatically on Tuesday as protesters defied curfews and set fire to numerous government buildings. The Federal Parliament, Supreme Court, and the central administrative complex Singha Durbar were all targeted. Demonstrators also attacked the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and set fire to residences of political leaders, including former prime ministers.
The chaos triggered mass prison breaks across the country, with authorities reporting that 14,307 prisoners escaped from various facilities during the protests. Of these, only 1,455 have been re-arrested, leaving 12,852 inmates still at large. At least eight inmates have died in clashes with security forces during attempted jailbreaks.
Social Media Ban Sparks Movement
The protests were initially triggered by the government's September 4 ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X. The ban was imposed after these platforms allegedly failed to register under new government regulations designed to combat misinformation and online fraud.
However, the social media restriction came amid growing online campaigns highlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children, dubbed "nepo kids," while ordinary Nepalis struggled with economic hardship. With an average annual income of USD 1,400 and 20% youth unemployment, the contrast sparked widespread anger among Nepal's young population.
Military Takes Control, Curfews Extended
Following Prime Minister Oli's resignation, Nepal's army assumed control of security operations across the country. Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel deployed troops throughout Kathmandu and imposed nationwide curfews that have been extended until Friday. Military personnel established checkpoints and urged residents to remain indoors except for essential travel.
The army has invited protest leaders to participate in discussions aimed at forming an interim government. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a frontrunner for interim leadership, with some protesters supporting her candidacy in online polls.
Broader Context of Political Instability
Nepal, a landlocked nation of 30 million people wedged between India and China, has experienced chronic political instability since abolishing its monarchy in 2008 following a decade-long civil conflict. The country has witnessed over a dozen governments since transitioning to a republic. The current unrest represents the most significant civil disturbance since that transition.
The protests reflect deeper frustrations among Nepal's youth, who face limited economic opportunities at home. Millions of young Nepalis work abroad, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, sending remittances that comprise 33% of the country's GDP.
International Concerns
The crisis has drawn attention from regional powers, particularly India, which shares a 1,750-kilometer border with Nepal. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the violence "heart-wrenching" and emphasized that Nepal's "stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance". The unrest adds strain to India's neighborhood diplomacy, coming amid existing tensions with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
As Nepal grapples with its most severe political crisis in decades, the path forward remains uncertain. While the immediate violence has subsided under military control, the underlying issues of corruption, economic hardship, and political accountability that drove the protests remain unresolved. The success of any interim government will depend on its ability to address these fundamental challenges while restoring stability to the troubled nation.
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