Kathmandu, Sept 15 — A historic wave of protests led by Genz youths has shaken Nepal, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, the collapse of his government, and the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s first female Prime Minister in an interim government.
The Protest Erupts
On September 8, more than 15,000 young people gathered in Kathmandu, joining thousands more across the nation, to protest against rampant corruption and the controversial social media ban imposed by the Oli government. Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans, calling the ban an attempt to silence dissent and restrict freedom of speech.
What began as a peaceful demonstration at New Baneshwor, Kathmandu turned violent after police forces opened fire with live ammunition instead of using rubber bullets, tear gas, or water cannons. The firing left over 20 youths dead and many more injured, sparking outrage across Nepal.
Nationwide Anger and Escalation
By the evening, Home Minister Ramesh lekhak resigned under public pressure, and the government was forced to lift the social media ban. However, the deaths fueled further fury. On September 9, protests intensified, with over 20,000 demonstrators taking to the streets. Enraged crowds attacked and set fire to the houses of top politicians, including former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” and Oli himself.
Major government buildings, including Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, political party offices, and businesses linked to political leaders, were set ablaze. With law and order spiraling out of control, the Nepal Army stepped in to restore peace, announcing it would maintain neutrality in political matters.
Government Collapse
Facing massive public backlash, Oli resigned and fled from kathmandu on September 9. The collapse of his government marked one of the most dramatic shifts in Nepal’s modern political history.
Rise of a New Leadership
On September 13, Gen Z protest leaders and Youths of nation selected Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal, as the Prime Minister of an interim government. This marks the first time in Nepal’s history that a woman has lead the office of Prime Minister.
The interim government has pledged to conduct national elections within six months, with the Nepal Army ensuring peace and stability until then.
Aftermath and Toll
The protests have so far left 72 people dead and over 500 injured. Despite the losses, many view the movement as a turning point — a youth-led revolution demanding accountability, transparency, and a corruption-free Nepal.
“This is a historic change,” said one protester in Kathmandu. “We have shown that the future of Nepal belongs to us.”
Looking Ahead
The new interim government faces the challenge of healing a wounded nation while preparing for free and fair elections. For now, the Gen Z movement is being hailed as a revolution that has redefined Nepal’s democratic journey.
