What began as peaceful protest in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu by the youth against corruption and bad-governance has resulted in overthrow of the government.
Many believe anger had been building up for several months. Tech-savvy students were sharing the stories about the luxurious lifestyles of ‘Nepo Kids’ (children of the Nepal’s ruling elite) on social media while the common man was struggling to make ends meet.
“Corruption by the the ruling elite sparked the protest demonstrations, but the ban on social media last week became the tipping point,” people say on social media platforms.
Ban of Social Media:
Apart from banning some 26 social media platforms, including X, the authorities further rubbed salt on the wounds of people by announcing ruthless measures. The protestors gave the authorities a September 3 deadline to lift the ban but they refused to comply. So, thousands took to the street. The security forces fired live ammunition at the protestors, triggering violence and killing dozens. The government imposed curfew but it also failed to control the young angry people. They remained on the streets, blocking roads and setting fires to key government buildings including the parliament.
Resignations:
Claiming moral responsibility, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday and then on Tuesday evening Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also went home.
“In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution,” the former PM Oli wrote to President Ramchandra Paudel before stepping down September 9. Nepal had elected him the Prime Minister on 11 October 2015.
At least 19 protestors were killed and hundreds were injured in what is being described as Gen-Z-led revolution in the Himalayan Republic. It is the third popular uprising in the South Asian region in recent years. Mass protests in 2022, also called Aragalaya-The Struggle, in Sri Lank and July Revolution of 2024 in Bangladesh also culminated in ousters of regimes in both the countries.
Flight Suspension, Future:
Nepal shuts all airports amid unrest. Flights suspended until Wednesday noon Flights grounded nationwide citing security risks. Army takes control of Tribhuvan International Airport. Buddha Air said its flights would be affected on Wednesday and apologised for the inconvenience.
Analysts believe the unrest has put the 17-year-old republic, established after the monarchy’s overthrow in 2008, in real danger. Some blame the disturbance on the China and U.S. backed India’s rivalry for influence over the Himalayan nation. As the President vows to form a consensus government by taking all stakeholders, including Gen Z leaders, into confidence, Nepal’s future remains uncertain.
[…] Gen-Z’s choice, the widely respected Sushila Karki, was appointed as the country’s 42nd prime minister on Friday. The former chief justice has been tasked with holding elections by March 4, 2026. She has six months to set the country on a vibrant democratic path. Nepal faces the major challenge of repairing its broken economy. And delivering the equality and justice its youth fought for. […]