Nepal — Gen Z Protests, Social Media Ban & Political Turmoil

Facts & Timeline

On 8 September 2025, protests erupted after the government banned 26 social media platforms (including Facebook, X, and YouTube). (Wikipedia)
Security forces used live ammunition on the first day, killing at least 17 people. (AP News)
Within days, the death toll rose to 72, with over 2,000 injured. (Reuters)
Protesters stormed the Parliament building on 9 September, setting fire to government offices and clashing with security forces. (TIME)
Facing mounting pressure, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki became Nepal’s first female interim Prime Minister. (Le Monde)
Damage was severe: in Kathmandu alone, losses were estimated at 25 billion Nepali rupees. (ABC News)

Current Situation & Effects on Society

Though the government lifted the social media ban on 9 September, the protests had already exposed deep fractures in society. (Reuters)

Many young people, especially Gen Z, saw the ban as more than censorship — it symbolized corruption, privilege, and elite control over public life. The protests became a generational uprising, demanding accountability and change.

During the chaos, thousands of prisoners escaped in mass jailbreaks, highlighting both the scale of disorder and the weakness of state authority. (Wikipedia)

Parties Involved

Protesters: Predominantly young people (Gen Z), students, and activists demanding free speech and accountability.
Government & security forces: The ruling coalition under Oli, plus the police, Armed Police Force, and Army, accused of excessive violence.
Interim leadership: Sushila Karki, charged with stabilizing the country and guiding new elections.
International observers: Human rights groups and neighboring countries monitoring the situation closely.

Motivations & Analysis

Corruption & inequality: Protesters accused political elites of enriching themselves while youth unemployment and hardship grew.
Censorship & control: The sweeping social media ban became a flashpoint for freedom of expression.
Generational frustration: With Nepal’s median age ~25, many young people rejected old power structures.
State legitimacy crisis: The violent crackdown and Prime Minister’s resignation showed how fragile public trust had become.

Scriptural Perspective & Hope

The Bible character Job once said: “I keep crying for help, but there is no justice.” (Job 19:7) Likewise today, many cry out for fairness, but their pleas often go unheard. Is it within human power to end injustice? History has shown that men cannot bring lasting peace and security.

That is why the Bible cautions: “Do not put your trust in nobles [human leaders], to whom no salvation belongs.” Yet it promises: “Happy is the one whose hope is in Jehovah his God.” (Psalm 146:3, 5)

Why place hope in Jehovah? Because He has purposed to solve mankind’s problems His way. Jesus taught us to pray: “Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place on earth as it does in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9, 10) That Kingdom — a heavenly government established by God — will rule the earth in justice, remove wickedness, and provide the only secure future. The following articles will show why we can trust God’s Kingdom.

[Article 1: God’s Kingdom Will Eliminate Injustice Forever]

[Article 2: God Will Bring Relief from Oppression]

[Article 3: Jesus Will End Oppression and Violence]

[Article 4: Comfort for those who see Corruption.]