Nepal on Edge: Gen Z Protests Escalate as President and PM’s Houses Set on Fire

Nationwide Unrest Intensifies Amidst Corruption Outrage

Nepal is grappling with unprecedented unrest as Gen Z-led protests escalate across the nation. The demonstrations, initially sparked by the government’s social media ban, have now expanded to include widespread allegations of corruption and nepotism.

Key Developments

Presidential Residence Torched: Protesters set fire to the private residence of President Ram Chandra Paudel in Kathmandu, marking a significant escalation in the protests.
Prime Minister’s Residence Attacked: The private residence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was also targeted and set ablaze by demonstrators.
Ministerial Properties Vandalized: The homes of former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with the residence of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, were damaged during the protests.
Casualties Reported: At least 19 individuals have been killed in violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
Government Response: In an attempt to quell the unrest, the government lifted the social media ban. However, this move has failed to pacify the demonstrators, who continue to demand systemic reforms.

Underlying Causes of the Protests

Social Media Ban: The government’s recent ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), ignited widespread outrage among the youth.
Corruption and Nepotism: Protesters have raised concerns over widespread corruption and the prevalence of nepotism within the political elite, leading to slogans like “Youths against corruption” and “Shut down corruption, not social media.”
Demands for Accountability: Demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Oli and other officials implicated in alleged corrupt practices.

Voices from the Ground

Protesters have expressed their anger and frustration through various slogans and actions. One demonstrator stated, “We are here to protest because our youths and friends are getting killed. We are here to seek that justice is done and the present regime is ousted.”

Government Measures

In response to the escalating violence, the government has imposed curfews in several parts of the country, including the capital, Kathmandu. Security forces have been deployed to maintain order, but the situation remains tense.