Daijiworld Media Network- Kathmandu 

Kathmandu, Sep 9: Massive protests erupted across Nepal as Gen Z demonstrators clashed with authorities, pushing prime minister KP Sharma Oli’s government to the brink. The protests intensified a day after Oli revoked a ban on social media, a key trigger for the unrest. 

Protesters set fire to the home of President Ram Chandra Poudel and vandalized residences of former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and Sher Bahadur Deuba, as well as Energy Minister Deepak Khadka. Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators roaming through these properties. 

With mounting pressure, more ministers are resigning and distancing themselves from the government. A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas, including Kathmandu, as protesters continued stone-throwing and marches for the second consecutive day.   

At least 19 people died during clashes with law enforcement on Monday. Protesters voiced concerns beyond the social media ban, including corruption and privileges enjoyed by children of powerful politicians, often referred to as ‘nepo kids’ and ‘nepo babies’. Demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as: 

“Shut down corruption and not social media” 

“Unban social media” 

“Youths against corruption” 

Protesters like Narayan Acharya demanded justice and the ousting of KP Oli, while others condemned government actions targeting young demonstrators. Videos with hashtags #NepoKid, #NepoBabies, and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal flooded social media. 

The protests began after several widely used social networks, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, were blocked last week for failing to comply with government registration requirements. Monday’s rallies drew tens of thousands of participants, surrounding the Parliament building, chanting, “Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media.” 

The movement has been dubbed the ‘Gen Z protest’, reflecting the participation of young Nepalis born between 1995 and 2010.