What’s Happening in Nepal? How the Gen-Z Protest Brought Down the Government

Nepal is currently facing one of the most dramatic political and social crises in its recent history. The country, which has already witnessed major transformations from monarchy to democracy, is once again at a crossroads. A youth-led protest, popularly known as the Gen-Z Movement, has shaken the foundations of power, forcing the Prime Minister to step down and pushing the nation into chaos.

So, what exactly is happening in Nepal? Let’s break it down in detail.

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📌 The Beginning – Why Are Young People Protesting?

The protest did not erupt overnight.

• For years, Nepal has been struggling with corruption, unemployment, and inefficient governance.

• When the government attempted to ban several social media platforms, the youth took it as an attack on their freedom of expression.

• The Gen-Z generation, already frustrated with the system, mobilized quickly through online platforms.

• What started as digital activism soon spilled onto the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, gathering momentum day by day.

This marked the start of one of the largest youth-driven uprisings in the country’s history.

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🔥 From Parliament to Hotels – The Protests Turn Violent

What began as peaceful demonstrations escalated into widespread violence.

• Protesters set fire to government buildings, private properties, and even luxury hotels like Hilton and Hyatt Regency.

• The Parliament building itself became a target of public anger.

• Clashes between police and protesters left 34 people dead and more than 1,300 injured.

Nepal has witnessed several political movements in the past, but this one stands out because of the sheer involvement of the young generation and the intensity of their anger.

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👤 Prime Minister Oli Resigns

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli had already been facing criticism over governance issues.

• As the protests intensified, pressure on him to resign became unstoppable.

• Eventually, Oli was forced to step down from his position.

• Reports suggest that after his resignation, he had to move between multiple locations for safety reasons.

This resignation symbolized the strength of the movement—it wasn’t just a street protest anymore, it had toppled the government.

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⚔️ The Role of the Nepalese Army

As law and order spiraled out of control, the Nepal Army stepped in.

• Troops were deployed in Kathmandu and other key cities to restore some level of order.

• The army also started mediating between political leaders and protesters to form an interim government.

• Protest leaders proposed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim head, though a final decision has not been made.

The army’s role is crucial at this stage—whether it ensures peace or pushes Nepal deeper into uncertainty remains to be seen.

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🚨 Jailbreak – 13,500 Prisoners Escape

Perhaps the most shocking event during this chaos has been the mass jailbreaks.

• More than 13,500 inmates escaped from prisons across the country.

• Many of them were convicted criminals, with some even wanted in neighboring India.

• This has created a massive security threat and forced India to issue high alerts along the border.

This development exposed how fragile the law and order situation has become in Nepal.

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🌍 Impact on Neighboring Countries

The crisis has not remained confined within Nepal’s borders.

• India–Nepal borders in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been sealed in several areas.

• Over 1,000 plumbers from Kendrapada, Odisha (India) are stranded in Nepal, unable to return home due to suspended transport and halted construction work.

• Tourism, one of Nepal’s biggest economic pillars, has been devastated, dealing a huge blow to local businesses and the national economy.

The unrest is beginning to affect trade, cross-border relations, and the livelihoods of thousands of people.

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🕯️ Families Seek Justice

Beyond politics, the human cost of this crisis is heartbreaking.

• Families of those killed in the protests are demanding justice, recognition, and compensation.

• Candlelight vigils and peaceful gatherings are being held in memory of the victims.

• On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForNepal are gaining traction as people continue to share their grief and demand accountability.

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📊 Quick Snapshot – Nepal’s Current Situation

• Deaths: 34+

• Injured: 1,300+

• Prisoners Escaped: 13,500+

• Border Status: Several checkpoints sealed, high security alert along India–Nepal border

• Political Situation: PM Oli resigned, interim leadership under discussion

• Protesters’ Demands: End corruption, withdraw social media bans, establish a transparent and accountable government