Nepal’s Gen-Z Protest: How Youth Uprising Shook the Nation and Burned Down the Parliament
Introduction
Nepal, a country known for its rich culture, scenic Himalayas, and democratic struggles, has recently witnessed one of the most dramatic political crises in its history. What began as a protest against restrictions on social media quickly transformed into a massive youth-led movement — popularly called the “Gen-Z Protest.” Within days, the demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, forcing the Prime Minister to resign and culminating in the burning of Nepal’s Parliament building.
This article explains the background, causes, escalation, the shocking incident of the parliament fire, and the political aftermath of the Gen-Z protests.
The Spark: Social Media Ban
In early September 2025, the Nepali government announced restrictions on more than two dozen popular social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter). Authorities argued that these platforms had failed to comply with national registration requirements. However, for the youth — who rely on digital platforms for communication, activism, education, and livelihood — the move was seen as an attack on freedom of expression.
Within hours, thousands of young people took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. Most of these protesters were students and young professionals, proudly identifying themselves as members of Generation Z.
The Anger Runs Deeper
Although the social media ban was the immediate trigger, the underlying reasons for the uprising were far more complex. Protesters expressed frustration over:
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Rampant corruption among politicians and bureaucrats.
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Nepotism and “Nepo Babies” culture, where political leaders’ children enjoyed privileges while ordinary youth struggled.
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Unemployment and economic hardship that has left many young graduates hopeless.
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Lack of accountability in governance and a disconnect between the ruling elite and common people.
This cocktail of grievances gave the protest momentum far beyond a digital rights movement — it became a rebellion against the system.
Escalation of Protests
The government initially responded with a heavy hand. Riot police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse crowds. Instead of calming the situation, these measures fueled public anger.
Even after the government withdrew the social media ban, protesters refused to leave the streets. Their demands had grown: they wanted an end to corruption, political reform, and in some cases, complete resignation of the ruling leadership.
The Burning of Parliament
The turning point came on September 9, 2025. Thousands of protesters stormed the Parliament building in Baneshwor, Kathmandu. The demonstration turned violent:
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Rooms inside the Parliament were ransacked and set on fire.
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Furniture and official documents were burned in the open.
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Flames spread quickly, leaving parts of the building severely damaged.
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Other government offices, including the Singha Durbar complex (home to key ministries) and even the Supreme Court, were also attacked.
The shocking images of the Parliament in flames became a symbol of public rage — a moment that will likely be remembered for decades in Nepal’s political history.
Political Collapse
As violence spread, the pressure on Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli mounted. Unable to control the situation, he was forced to resign.
The parliament was dissolved, and an interim government was announced. Fresh elections have been scheduled, while investigations into the destruction of public property and loss of lives are ongoing.
Human Cost
Behind the fiery headlines lies a tragic human cost:
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Dozens of protesters lost their lives during clashes.
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Hundreds were injured, many critically.
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Public property worth millions was destroyed.
These losses highlight the heavy price a nation pays when political leadership and citizens fail to find common ground through dialogue.
Why This Matters
The Gen-Z protest is more than a political event — it reflects a generational awakening. For the first time, young Nepalis have shown their collective power to challenge the status quo. The movement echoes similar youth-driven uprisings seen in other parts of the world, where technology-savvy generations demand transparency, freedom, and justice.
However, the violent turn — including the burning of Parliament — also raises questions about the future of Nepal’s democracy. Can the energy of the youth be channeled into constructive change? Or will anger continue to fuel instability?
Conclusion
The Gen-Z protests in Nepal began with a fight for digital freedom but grew into a national uprising that toppled a government and set fire to the very heart of democracy — the Parliament. While the immediate crisis has forced leadership changes and fresh elections, the deeper issues of corruption, inequality, and unemployment remain unsolved.
For Nepal, this moment is both a warning and an opportunity. The youth have spoken loudly, demanding change. The challenge now lies in whether the political system can listen, reform, and rebuild — before anger once again turns to fire.
written by:- Ansh shukla