Introduction

On September 9, 2025, Nepal witnessed a historic and violent uprising as thousands of young protesters stormed Kathmandu, setting fire to the historic Singha Durbar parliament building. Sparked by a government-imposed social media ban, the protests quickly escalated into a nationwide call for systemic reform, targeting corruption, nepotism, and entrenched political elites.

Videos and tweets, particularly a viral post from @RadioGenoa, captured the chaos from the air, showing thick smoke, raging flames, and massive crowds. This event, now dubbed the “Gen Z revolution,” has drawn global attention, highlighting the role of youth and social media in modern political movements.

How the Protests Began

The unrest began on September 4, 2025, when the Nepalese government, led by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, abruptly banned over two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The official reason cited concerns over misinformation and national security.

Critics argued the ban was an attempt to suppress growing youth-led campaigns exposing government corruption and favoritism. Nepal’s Gen Z population, highly active online, had been organizing calls for reform, inspired in part by youth protests in neighboring countries.

Escalation and Violence

Protests erupted across Kathmandu and other major cities within days. On September 8, clashes intensified:

• Police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition.
• At least 19 people were killed, with over 100 injured.
• Videos circulated online showing protesters storming political residences.

By September 9, demonstrators defied curfews, targeting Singha Durbar, a sprawling complex built in 1903 and the largest palace in Asia. Crowds set fire to the parliament, looted offices, and clashed with security forces. Politicians, including PM Oli, reportedly fled by helicopter.

Political Consequences

• Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, bowing to public pressure.
• The government lifted the social media ban the same day.
• Calls for systemic reform, including placing youth leaders in key positions, intensified.

Despite these measures, protests continued, with demonstrators demanding deep-rooted changes in governance and transparency.

Root Causes of the Uprising

While the social media ban was the immediate trigger, underlying factors contributed to the revolt:

1. Youth frustration over unemployment and limited opportunities.
2. Economic inequality and stagnation.
3. Perceptions of nepotism and “elite politics” dominating the system.
4. Social media mobilization, allowing rapid organization and awareness.

A protester noted, “The protest is not because of the social media ban; we are demanding a youth leader and real change.”

Global Perspective

Observers compare Nepal’s Gen Z uprising to other youth-led movements globally, emphasizing how digital platforms amplify political voices. The world is watching: the way Nepal handles this crisis could set a precedent for youth-led civic activism in South Asia.

FAQs

Q1: What caused the Nepal protests on September 9, 2025?

A: The protests began due to a government ban on social media platforms, which escalated into demands for political reform and youth representation.

Q2: How many people were affected?

A: At least 19 deaths and over 100 injuries were reported during clashes, with thousands participating nationwide.

Q3: What happened to the Prime Minister?

A: Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned amid growing public pressure and political chaos.

Q4: Which building was set on fire?

A: Nepal’s historic parliament building, Singha Durbar, was engulfed in flames by protesters.

Q5: Are the protests over now?

A: While the immediate violence has subsided, calls for systemic reform and youth leadership continue.

Conclusion

Nepal’s September 2025 uprising demonstrates the growing power of youth and social media in shaping political outcomes. While the social media ban was the spark, the movement reflects deeper societal frustrations: unemployment, corruption, and the dominance of entrenched elites.

The “Gen Z revolution” has left an indelible mark on Kathmandu and may redefine political engagement in Nepal. As the smoke clears over Singha Durbar, the nation faces a choice: implement meaningful reforms and include youth voices, or risk further unrest. Neutral observers note that this historic event is not merely a protest against platforms but a wake-up call for a generation demanding accountability, transparency, and real change.