The BRICS TimesAlthough the immediate trigger for protests in Nepal is the ban on social media platforms, the demonstrations also involve those who had recently opposed Prime Minister Oli over the restoration of monarchy. The government, already cornered on two political fronts, is now shaken by the fierce resistance of Generation-Z.
In Nepal, the protests led by Generation-Z have escalated sharply. On Monday, demonstrators broke into the parliament building, which prompted police to open fire. Following the violence, authorities imposed a strict curfew across Kathmandu. The unrest is fueled by anger against the government’s decision to block access to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and several other social media platforms. Young people across Kathmandu and other major cities are staging rallies demanding reversal of the ban.
This is the first instance where a country is witnessing such large-scale protests solely over access to social networking apps. Nepal, a South Asian nation where 82 percent of the population follows Hinduism, shares borders with India and China-controlled Tibet.
The posters displayed on Kathmandu’s streets accuse Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government of corruption and suppressing digital freedom. For months, serious corruption allegations have surrounded Oli’s administration. Adding to the discontent, last week the government moved to ban 25 popular applications, including Facebook and Instagram.
Protesters argue that the authorities want to control social networking platforms through restrictive laws that silence public voices. This move had faced opposition even in parliament. The opposition labeled it as “a law that strangles free expression.” However, the government pushed it through easily because of its majority.
There are also suggestions that something deeper is at play behind these protests. Hindu leader Durga Prasai, who was recently released on bail, has joined the demonstrations. Prasai had earlier organized rallies in Kathmandu during June 2025 demanding the abolition of democracy and the return of monarchy. Following those protests, he faced sedition charges but was later granted bail.
The current wave of agitation by Generation-Z comes at a time when the Oli government is already under immense internal and external pressure. Within Oli’s party, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), tensions have intensified. Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari wants to re-enter active politics, but Oli is blocking her return, causing significant unrest in party circles.
At the same time, Oli is also facing growing resistance from coalition partner Nepali Congress. Several senior leaders within Congress are openly suggesting that their party should withdraw support. In parliament, Congress holds more members than Oli’s party, which makes the situation even more precarious for the Prime Minister.
The combination of youth-driven outrage over digital restrictions and political challenges from both inside and outside the ruling alliance has created a volatile situation. What began as a reaction to a social media ban has now evolved into a major confrontation that could alter Nepal’s political landscape.
