Context: Recently, Nepal witnessed a violent youth-led movement dominated by a generation known as ‘Gen Z’. It is the largest anti-establishment uprising since the abolition of monarchy in 2008.
Nepal’s President has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s new Prime Minister and dissolved Parliament. He announced fresh elections on March 5, 2026.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India and its Neighbourhood: Crisis in Nepal & its Implications on India.
Gen Z Protests in Nepal
- Youth-led movement dominated by those born between 1996 and 2012, a generation known as “Generation Z”, frustrated with corruption, nepotism, unemployment, and political dysfunction.
- The protest began after the government banned 26 social media platforms in August 2025, cutting off their main space for expression and mobilisation.
- The situation escalated when several protestors in Kathmandu were killed by police firing, turning a demand for digital freedom into a nationwide anti-establishment uprising.
Enraged youth set fire to government buildings, vandalised the homes of former Prime Ministers, attacked ministers, and even freed political prisoners from Central Jail.
Causes of the Protests?
- Unfulfilled promise of 2008 Republic: Wave of discontent against geriatric and nepotistic leadership that ran Nepal with 17 different prime ministerships in the last 20 years. The governance has remained weak, unstable, and unresponsive.
- Corruption and Nepotism: Anger against entrenched political elites and their children’s lavish lifestyles while ordinary citizens face unemployment and poverty due to economic stagnation.
- Youth Disillusionment: Nepal has one of the world’s youngest populations (median age 25). Youth face high unemployment, lack of opportunities, and widespread inequality.
- Ban of Social Media Platforms: The government’s ban on 26 social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, YouTube) cut off Gen Z’s primary space for political expression.
- State Violence: The killing of protesters by security forces was the tipping point that transformed peaceful dissent into nationwide outrage.
Nature of the Protests:
- Leaderless Mobilisation: Unlike the Jana Andolans of 1990 and 2006, the movement lacked structured leadership or clear political objectives.
- Spontaneous and Digital-Driven: Mobilisation was initially through social media pages such as Next Generation Nepal.
- Nihilistic Rage: Protesters attacked homes of five former Prime Ministers, vandalised state institutions, and freed political prisoners, showing an anti-establishment thrust rather than specific reform demands.
- Urban-Centric but Spreading: While centred in Kathmandu, protests spread to other cities, reflecting nationwide disillusionment.
As protests turned violent, the Prime Minister of Nepal resigned, while the President remained absent deepening the leadership vacuum. In response, the Army was deployed to restore order.
Implications of the Gen Z Protests in Nepal:
- Delegitimisation of Political Elites: Attacks on the homes of former Prime Ministers and ministers reflected a collapse of public trust in traditional parties and leaders.
- Expansion of Military Role: The Army’s takeover of security functions raises concerns about potential military influence in political decision-making.
- Emergence of New Political Voices: The protests weakened trust in established political parties and created space for new leaders. At the same time, pro-monarchy groups tried to use the unrest to push for a return of the old order.
- Regional and Economic Impact: Instability threatens Nepal’s economy, deters investment and tourism, and poses security and diplomatic challenges for India and South Asia.
Implications for India:
- Border Management and Security: Political instability in Nepal poses risks of refugee inflows, illegal activities, and cross-border crime across the open India-Nepal border.
- Strategic Competition: Prolonged chaos could allow China or other external actors to expand their influence in Nepal, challenging India’s traditional strategic space.
- Economic Disruptions: Instability undermines India’s trade and investment in Nepal, including energy, infrastructure, and hydropower projects.
India must focus its attention on supporting a crucial transition towards a new, more democratic and developed Nepal.