Corruption Allegations Ignite Gen Z Uprising in Nepal: Social Media Ban Becomes Final Spark in Deadly Revolt

Nepal Parliament Set On Fire | @Abuysusnietos

Nepal is facing its most volatile political crisis in decades as a Gen Z-led uprising—fueled by long-standing corruption and inequality—erupted into nationwide chaos following a controversial social media ban. While the government’s decision to block 26 major platforms was the immediate trigger, protesters say the real fire was lit by years of broken promises, elite impunity, and systemic abuse.

The unrest, which began on September 8, has left at least 30 dead and over 1,000 injured across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Itahari, and other major cities. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with Civil Service Hospital alone treating over 400 cases. The Ministry of Health confirmed that 28 hospitals are now handling protest-related injuries, marking one of the highest civilian casualty counts in Nepal’s democratic era.

Protesters stormed Parliament, torched the Supreme Court, and set fire to the Singha Durbar complex—home to the Prime Minister’s office. The homes of former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal were attacked, and the residence of Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of a former PM, was reportedly set ablaze, resulting in her death. Nearly all outlets of Nepal’s largest retail chain, Bhat Bhateni Super Store, were destroyed in coordinated arson attacks.

The Nepal Army has now taken control of security operations nationwide, enforcing curfews and deploying troops across urban centers. Loudspeakers echo calls for peace, while helicopters have been used to evacuate political figures under threat. Army Chief Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel has urged dialogue, though protesters remain leaderless and defiant.

Crime rates have surged in the wake of the riots. Reports of looting, targeted assassinations, and organized vandalism have flooded local media. Police stations and government offices have been ransacked, and the Supreme Court has suspended all hearings indefinitely due to the destruction of its servers and archives.

The Gen Z movement, which began as a peaceful protest, has since fractured. Organizers claim the violence was hijacked by “vested groups,” but the damage is done. The resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has left a constitutional vacuum, and protesters are now calling for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead an interim government.

International bodies including Amnesty International, the UNHRC, and governments from the U.S., UK, and Australia have condemned the use of lethal force and called for independent investigations. Meanwhile, India has issued a travel advisory and tightened border security to prevent spillover unrest.

As Nepal teeters between collapse and renewal, one thing is clear: this is not just a protest. It’s a generational reckoning. And the youth of Nepal are no longer asking for change—they’re demanding it.