Kathmandu — Nepal’s political order was shaken this week as thousands of young protesters, most between 18 and 26, took to the streets in what is now being called the ‘Generation Z Movement’. The unrest, which claimed at least 19 lives, erupted after the government blocked major social media platforms, igniting anger already fueled by an online anti-corruption campaign targeting the privileged children of politicians, known as ‘Nepo Kids’.
The ban, imposed when Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp refused to register with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, cut off vital communication channels for millions. TikTok and Viber, which complied with the order, remained active, becoming key hubs for protest coordination.
Meanwhile, videos and images exposing the lavish lifestyles and alleged misuse of public resources by ‘Nepo Kids’ went viral on TikTok and Reddit. Hashtags like #NepoKids and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal drew millions of views, with one clip surpassing 1.3 million. The campaign mirrored similar anti-nepotism movements in countries like the Philippines.
On Tuesday, protesters stormed the parliament building in Kathmandu. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and live ammunition. The Interior Minister resigned as violence escalated, and the government lifted the social media ban the next day, but the political damage was irreversible.
By Wednesday, the army had regained control of the capital, imposed a curfew, and begun talks with protest leaders. Military patrols now dominate the streets, and authorities report that more than 13,500 prisoners escaped during the chaos.
According to Urdu News, this is the largest public demonstration in Nepal’s modern history, a defining moment for a generation raised on technology, global awareness, and a willingness to challenge entrenched power. With curfews still in place and no clear successor to Oli, Nepal faces an uncertain political future, while its youth have shown they are unwilling to be silenced.