Were the protests in Nepal only about social media?

No. The spark was the social media prohibition. Long-standing complaints about poor governance, unequal opportunities, and corruption were underlying. Many young people's livelihoods were immediately harmed by the symbolic ban.

How many people were killed in Gen Z Protests in Nepal?

As things happened, the number changed. Numerous credible sources indicated that the conflicts resulted in dozens of fatalities and numerous injuries. As investigations continued, authorities and independent organizations subsequently gave revised tallies.

Did any political party lead the Gen Z Protests in Nepal?

The movement was not led by a single party. It was decentralized and mostly led by young people. Later, political groups took part in the events, with some supporting the demonstrators and others denouncing the disturbances. Hami Nepal and other grassroots organizations emerged as prominent organizers.

Will the Gen Z Protests in Nepal change governance?

They brought about a political upheaval that prompted an instant change in leadership and made room for changes. How interim officials and upcoming elected administrations carry out changes and whether civil society continues to push for accountability will determine whether or not there is long-lasting change.

Gen Z Protests in Nepal, 2025

Author

Gunja Kumari

Created

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025

Reading time

9 min

Table of Contents

Introduction

Deep dissatisfaction with unemployment and corruption, as well as a social media ban, sparked the 2025 Gen Z protests in Nepal. The events, youth organization, timetable, and results of the revolt are explained in this article, along with the implications for Nepal’s politics and the region. Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned amid widespread protests spearheaded by Generation Z, indicating that Nepal is currently experiencing a period of political turmoil.

What is the Cause of Gen Z Protests in Nepal?

Digital life is central
- Social networks are where a lot of young Nepalis work, learn, and establish their reputations. The government’s decision to restrict websites like Facebook, X, and YouTube was more than just an informational act; it also prevented freelancers, small enterprises, and content producers from making money.
- Anger was immediately aroused by that sudden interruption.
Visible inequality and nepotism
- Viral social media posts and films exposing elites and their families profiting from government contracts, employment, and land deals served as the impetus for the protests. Young people perceived a system that gave them little hope and protected insiders.
- The fundamental call for accountability in the protests was fueled by this sense of entrenched privilege.
High youth unemployment and migration
- Remittances are a major source of income for Nepal.
- Many young people rely on gig labor and online income because they have few formal jobs at home. As a result, social media prohibitions were quickly both political and economic.
- As a result, there existed a sizable population of driven, tech-savvy citizens who were prepared to organize.
Low trust in institutions
- Many young people doubted that traditional politics could bring about change because of repeated corruption scandals, the delayed delivery of public services, and accusations of cooperation between politicians and business elites.
- Because of this pessimism, new grassroots organizations and street action seemed like viable solutions.

How Gen Z Organized for Protests in Nepal?

Discord and closed chat groups
- Organizers coordinated assembly locations, mutual help, and legal support via private servers and group chats on Discord and other apps.
- These methods helped disseminate tactical instructions even in situations where public platforms were banned and allowed for quick, flexible preparation.
- According to reports, some of these groups also turned into hotbeds of controversy regarding escalation and tactics.
Memes, influencers and micro-celebrities
- Prominent content producers exploited their fan bases to organize groups and amplify protest calls.
- Protests felt familiar and approachable to peers in other cities thanks to visual signals and pop culture references.
Decentralized leadership
- In actuality, Gen Z protests were frequently leaderless, in contrast to traditional party-led movements.
- Agendas and tactics were defined by ad hoc organizers and local cells, which made the movement resilient but also more difficult to formally negotiate with.
Street tactics
- Sit-ins in public places and nonviolent mass demonstrations were among the forms of protest.
- Some organizations resorted to direct action as tensions increased, which included damaging property and making attempts to access government facilities in a few unfortunate situations.
- Security personnel reacted violently. Conflicts involving live ammunition, water cannon, and tear gas were reported by international media.

How do Gen Z Protests in Nepal Affect India’s Interests?

Security Concerns
- In Nepal, political instability leads to governance gaps that criminal organizations, illegal networks, and insurgent groups can take advantage of.
- Since India and Nepal have an open border, any void in law and order or instability immediately jeopardizes India’s internal security and could lead to a rise in trafficking, cross-border smuggling, or militant infiltration.
Economic Impact
- With USD 1.2 billion in imports and USD 7.32 billion in exports to Nepal in FY25, India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and has a sizable trade surplus.
- Indian supply chains and investments in Nepal are uncertain as a result of the political turmoil, and instability makes room for China to intervene.
Impact on Development Cooperation
- India’s High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal, which include more than 573 projects in areas including sanitation, electrification, health, and education, are essential to promoting goodwill and bolstering bilateral ties.
- Project implementation is weakened by political unrest, which also makes room for rival forces like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Halt to Hydropower and Energy Cooperation
- India’s plans for cross-border electricity trade, such as the trilateral energy trade with Bangladesh and the long-term power trade deal between India and Nepal, heavily rely on Nepal.
- Significant hydropower projects like Arun-3, Phukot Karnali, and Lower Arun could be slowed down or derailed by political unrest.
Disturbance to Defence and Security Cooperation
- Strong military relations exist between India and Nepal (e.g., joint Surya Kiran exercises).
- However, political crises allow competitive external actors like China to intervene, undermine institutional continuity, and interfere with defense interactions.

What Effects Does India Face from Gen Z Protests in Nepal?

Internal Security Threat
- The conflict over Jammu and Kashmir continues to be a major concern with Pakistan, escalating military conflicts and cross-border terrorism.
- Additionally, the illegal flow of guns, drugs, and rebels is made possible by the Northeast’s porous borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Geopolitical and Strategic Implications
- Major powers, particularly the US and China, want to take advantage of the power vacuum created by neighborhood unrest.
- China takes advantage of regional instability by using the BRI in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan to acquire strategic influence.
- Long-term security concerns for India are brought about by the militarization of the Indian Ocean and Chinese control over vital ports, such as Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka.
Economic and Developmental Impacts
- Cross-border projects, like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, are delayed by political upheaval. India’s Act East Policy and its function as a regional economic center are impacted by this.
- India’s goodwill is weakened by instability, which discourages investors and hinders Indian development efforts.
- Indian projects that are delayed, like the hydroelectric project in the Mahakali River, erode trust.
- Political unrest also makes it more difficult to manage shared rivers, like as the Teesta river conflict with Bangladesh, which affects energy security and agriculture.
Refugee and Humanitarian Crisis
- In border regions like Assam, refugee arrivals lead to sociocultural tensions and competition for resources.
- India frequently offers assistance and refuge in times of need, demonstrating its duty while placing a burden on its own infrastructure.
- As evidenced by the discussions around the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), these inflows can occasionally lead to identity-based conflicts.
Erosion of India’s Strategic Space in Multilateral Forums
- South Asian regional institutions, such as SAARC and BIMSTEC, are weakened by instability, which also makes it more difficult for India to forge alliances and spearhead collaborative projects.
- Political impasse frequently renders forums ineffectual and ignores India’s recommendations, enabling extra-regional powers to take advantage of rifts and influence regional policy.

What Steps Can India Take to Increase Active Participation in the Neighbourhood?

Improving Border and Cross-Border Management
- Smooth trade and the avoidance of security hazards depend on effective border administration.
- To cut down on delays, this calls for spending money on updated border infrastructure, such as digital customs systems and linked checkpoints.
Comprehensive Security and Defence Cooperation
- Create regional crisis management frameworks with BIMSTEC and SAARC to respond to security threats, political upheavals, and natural disasters in a coordinated manner.
- Increase the number of cooperative military drills with nations like Myanmar, Nepal, and the Maldives. Increase knowledge of the maritime area and use common resources to protect the Indian Ocean.
Strengthen Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure
- Increase port, rail, and road connections with programs like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project and the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement.
- Use a “whole-of-government” strategy to expedite and finish infrastructure projects in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and others.
Economic and Connectivity-Driven Diplomacy
- India needs to put economic cooperation first by providing a more alluring and trustworthy substitute for China’s “debt trap diplomacy.”
- This entails supplying development assistance catered to the unique requirements of each nation as well as soft loans and grants for infrastructure projects with adjustable maturities.
Leveraging Soft Power and People-to-People Ties
- A more successful neighborhood policy incorporates relationships between individuals as well as between governments.
- By growing initiatives like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), which provides professionals from nearby nations with training and scholarships, India can increase its soft power.

Conclusion

The Gen Z protests in Nepal in 2025 were a defining moment. They showed how digitally connected youth can translate online outrage into mass mobilization that reshapes national politics. The movement forced the government to resign, pushed for accountability, and brought attention to economic and digital policy failures that have long frustrated young Nepalis. The next phase for Nepal will test whether this energy can be channeled into institutional reform and inclusive growth, or whether cycles of unrest and elite retrenchment will persist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Were the protests in Nepal only about social media?
No. The spark was the social media prohibition. Long-standing complaints about poor governance, unequal opportunities, and corruption were underlying. Many young people’s livelihoods were immediately harmed by the symbolic ban.
How many people were killed in Gen Z Protests in Nepal?
As things happened, the number changed. Numerous credible sources indicated that the conflicts resulted in dozens of fatalities and numerous injuries. As investigations continued, authorities and independent organizations subsequently gave revised tallies.
Did any political party lead the Gen Z Protests in Nepal?
The movement was not led by a single party. It was decentralized and mostly led by young people. Later, political groups took part in the events, with some supporting the demonstrators and others denouncing the disturbances. Hami Nepal and other grassroots organizations emerged as prominent organizers.
Will the Gen Z Protests in Nepal change governance?
They brought about a political upheaval that prompted an instant change in leadership and made room for changes. How interim officials and upcoming elected administrations carry out changes and whether civil society continues to push for accountability will determine whether or not there is long-lasting change.

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