Unrest Situation in Nepal

Stay updated on unrest situation in Nepal as Gen Z-led protests escalate. Discover how the nationwide unrest over the social media ban, corruption, and inequality led to Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s exit, and tragic violence including the burning alive of ex-PM Jhala Nath Khanal’s wife. Learn about the role of the Nepal Army, curfews, and what lies ahead for democracy, governance, and stability in Nepal.

In early September 2025, Nepal’s government imposed a sweeping ban on major social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp, citing non-compliance with regulatory laws. The exclusion of TikTok, Nepal’s most popular network among youth, further fueled accusations of political bias.

Outpouring frustration among Gen Z and student groups rapidly transformed into mass protests. Demonstrators, angered by government censorship and longstanding corruption, clashed with authorities. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and reportedly live fire, resulting in at least 19 deaths, hundreds injured, and destruction across Kathmandu.

Protesters stormed and set ablaze key symbols of state authority, Parliament, Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, the President’s residence, and PM Oli’s private home were torched.  In response, the military enforced indefinite curfews and patrolled major areas including the airport and borders.

On 9 September 2025, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, accepting moral responsibility for the violence and casualties during the protests. Also on 9 September 2025, facing nationwide unrest and mounting casualties, Prime Minister Oli submitted his resignation. In his letter, he stated the step was taken “to ease the current situation” and facilitate political resolution under the constitution.

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, died after suffering severe burns when protesters set her home on fire in Kathmandu. She was trapped inside during the attack and later succumbed to her injuries at the Kirtipur Burn Hospital.

With the government in disarray, the Nepal Army deployed across Kathmandu. Soldiers maintained law and order, arrested agitators, and assured citizens they aimed to restore normalcy, prompting cautious optimism amid uncertainty

Meanwhile, President Ram Chandra Poudel accepted Oli’s resignation. Oli continues in a caretaker capacity while protest leaders and experts question whether the parliamentary system can meet the demands of the youth movement. Attention is now shifting to new leadership, figures like Balendra Shah, Kathmandu’s mayor and a rapper-turned-politician, are emerging as voices favored by protesters.

The movement transcends personal accountability. Gen Z protesters are demanding structural changes, greater transparency, economic opportunities, and an end to elite privilege.

About the Author

Shreya Giri is a talented SEO content writer with a unique flair for captivating readers. With a bachelor's degree in geography, her passion for crafting exceptional content shines through in every word she writes. Shreya's expertise lies in her ability to seamlessly blend language and storytelling, effortlessly capturing the attention of her audience.

She is pursuing a Master's degree in geography and has a remarkable talent for transforming intricate concepts into captivating narratives that have a lasting impact. With Shreya, you can expect excellent, compelling content that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

You can connect with her through-

My-Lekh profile- https://www.my-lekh.com/profile/shreyagiri3008/profile

LinkedIn profile- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-giri-a0a607265 

Email- shreyagiri3008@gmail.com