Nepal Gen Z Protests

The protests in Nepal on September 9 were sparked by a social media ban, resulting in the death of 19 people and leading to significant unrest, particularly among the youth. Despite the government's decision to lift the ban, the discontent continues, highlighting longstanding grievances within the country.

Causes of Protests

• The social media ban covered 26 platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube for non-compliance with government regulations.
• The government aimed to regulate social media to curb cybercrime and misinformation. Non-compliance led to bans, with some platforms like TikTok reaching agreements to avoid suspension.
• Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli emphasized the need for compliance, while critics accused the government of stifling free expression and press freedom.

Socio-Economic Context

• The youth are frustrated with political leaders, many of whom have faced corruption charges and frequently rotate in power.
• Nepal's economic growth, driven by remittances, hasn't yielded quality jobs, with 82% of the workforce in informal employment.
• Political instability and the reliance on a limited pool of leaders have exacerbated the situation.

Corruption Allegations

• Most senior leaders in Nepal, including former and current Prime Ministers, face various corruption allegations.
• These include misuse of public land, illegal commissions, and fraudulent activities related to refugee status.

Impact and Reactions

• The protests were led mainly by Gen Z, with schools and youth organizations mobilizing independently of political parties.
• Groups like Hami Nepal have been pivotal in organizing protests, citing government corruption and lack of opportunities as key issues.

The situation in Nepal reflects broader socio-political challenges faced by its youth, who demand transparency, opportunities, and governance free from corruption.