Gen Z Leads Deadly Uprising in Nepal

At least 22 people have died and hundreds were injured during anti-government protests in Nepal after the government banned 26 social media platforms. The demonstrations forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his cabinet to resign after a nationwide outrage over the deaths of protesters.

According to BBC News, demonstrators set fire to several government buildings, including the parliament and supreme court. The residences of politicians were also attacked, while leaders of major political parties went into hiding. The Nepal Army deployed troops on the streets to restore order, but power has not yet been officially transferred to a new government.

For the first time, Nepal’s youth have led a nationwide protest. “The unrest began Monday as a self-styled “Gen Z protest” against corruption, nepotism and restrictions on social media. It quickly escalated after security forces opened fire on the crowds,” the United Nations reported.

Many of those youths have grown up during political instability, frequent government changes, and rising unemployment. The young protesters are digitally connected, using social media to organise, share information, and express their frustrations.

Even after the ban was lifted on September 8, the movement continued, leading to the prime minister’s resignation.

“The turmoil also triggered jailbreaks in several locations, with some inmates still at large,” the UN added.