Nepal PM Oli Resigns Amid Gen-Z Protests & Social Media Ban

Nepal is witnessing an unprecedented political crisis as nationwide protests led by the younger generation, particularly Gen-Z, escalate into violence, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The turmoil reached a tipping point on 9 September 2025, when Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid widespread unrest. The catalyst for the protests was a government-imposed ban on social media, but underlying grievances related to corruption, nepotism, and lack of transparency have amplified the anger, making this one of the most volatile periods in recent Nepalese history.

The Spark: Social Media Ban and Public Outrage

On 4 September 2025, the Nepalese government ordered the shutdown of 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. Officials cited concerns over misinformation, hate speech, and the platforms’ failure to register locally. The ban, however, was perceived by the public, especially the youth, as a blatant attempt to suppress freedom of expression.

Within days, these concerns snowballed into massive demonstrations led predominantly by students and young activists, who identified themselves under the banner of Gen-Z protests. Social media, ironically, became the organizing tool for the protests, with platforms like Reddit and Instagram being used to expose the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and highlight alleged corruption within the government.

Timeline of Events in Nepal

4 September 2025 – Social Media Ban Enforced

The government officially blocked 26 platforms, citing failure to comply with local registration laws. This move immediately triggered outrage, particularly among the younger generation, who viewed it as an infringement on civil liberties and free speech.

8 September 2025 – Protests Erupt Across Cities

The Gen-Z protests gained momentum, spreading from Kathmandu to cities like Pokhara and Chitwan. Demonstrators decried both the social media ban and widespread political corruption. In several locations, protesters attempted to storm parliament, prompting a harsh police response. Authorities used water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and eventually live ammunition, leading to at least 19 deaths and over 200 injuries, primarily in Kathmandu.

Monday Evening – Home Minister Resigns

Following the violent crackdown, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation, citing moral responsibility for the loss of life during police operations.

Late Monday Night – Ban Lifted

In a bid to ease public unrest, the government reversed its social media ban. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that all platforms were restored and announced a 15-day investigation panel, alongside compensation and free medical treatment for victims affected by the crackdown.

9 September 2025 – Escalation Despite Reversal

Even after lifting the ban, protests intensified. Demonstrators set fire to the private residences of PM Oli, President Ramchandra Poudel, and other ministers. Party offices, including the Nepali Congress headquarters in Sanepa and the CPN–UML office in Lalitpur, were vandalized. The Nepalese army was deployed, and Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily shut down to prevent further chaos.

Prime Minister Oli Resigns

In response to escalating violence, PM Oli convened an all-party meeting at 6 pm, urging calm and describing the situation as “unpleasant.” He acknowledged the growing disconnect between the government and the younger population. Within hours, following Home Minister Lekhak’s resignation and military advice, Oli tendered his resignation, reportedly preparing for a potential escape to Dubai via private jet.

The Human Cost: Deaths, Injuries, and Property Damage

The protests have left a significant human and material toll. Key highlights include:

Deaths: At least 19 protesters were killed, with most fatalities occurring in Kathmandu.
Injuries: More than 300 people, primarily students, suffered injuries ranging from rubber bullet wounds to severe trauma.
Property Damage: Demonstrators torched the residences of political leaders, including PM Oli, former Home Minister Lekhak, and former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Nepal’s Parliament and government offices were also set ablaze, with thick smoke visible from multiple parts of Kathmandu.

Protesters actively defied curfew orders, using tyre-burning roadblocks, drones, fireworks, and laser lights to disrupt government operations and demonstrate their defiance.

Gen-Z Movement: Youth Rising Against Corruption

The Gen-Z-led protests reflect deep-rooted frustration among Nepalese youth over systemic corruption, nepotism, and lack of accountability. Many of the protesters have taken to social media platforms to highlight the wealth and luxurious lifestyles of politicians’ families, which they claim are funded through corrupt practices.

Chants like “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (KP thief, leave the country) and “Take Action Against Corrupt Leaders” have echoed across the streets of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and other major cities, signaling the intensity of public sentiment. The movement underscores a generational divide in Nepalese politics, where younger citizens are demanding transparency, accountability, and reform.

Political Crisis and Uncertain Future

Oli’s resignation leaves Nepal facing a serious political vacuum. The coalition government is fractured, and public anger shows no sign of abating. Investigations into the violence are underway, but the Gen-Z movement continues to push for sweeping political reforms.

The resignation also highlights the delicate relationship between the Nepalese military and the government. Reports indicate that Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel advised Oli to step down to stabilize the nation, reflecting the military’s role in the unfolding crisis.

Implications for Nepal

The ongoing events in Nepal have far-reaching consequences:

Youth Empowerment: The protests signal the rising influence of Gen-Z, demonstrating their ability to mobilize against entrenched political structures.
Political Instability: With the Prime Minister and key ministers resigning, Nepal faces potential governance challenges and a fragile coalition government.
Reform Demands: Calls for anti-corruption measures, transparency, and protection of free speech are intensifying.
Uncertain Leadership: Oli’s potential departure abroad further clouds the political horizon, leaving questions about who will lead the country through this turbulent period.

Nepal’s political landscape has been dramatically reshaped in September 2025. From a government-imposed social media ban to deadly street protests, the nation has witnessed a wave of unrest that underscores the growing influence of young citizens and their demand for accountability. While Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation may offer a temporary respite, the broader issues of corruption, political transparency, and generational divides remain unresolved.

The coming weeks will be critical for Nepal as the government, opposition parties, and civil society navigate a path toward political stability and meaningful reform. For now, the Gen-Z movement has sent a clear message: Nepal’s youth are no longer willing to be sidelined, and their voice is shaping the nation’s future.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies