Nepal's Gen Z Uprising: Social Media Ban Ignites Deadly Protests and Government Collapse!
by Alice Ibarra in PoliticsProtests in Nepal, fueled by a short-lived government ban on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube, spiraled into widespread violence and ultimately led to the collapse of the government. The demonstrations, largely driven by young people, resulted in at least 25 deaths and 633 injuries. The government's attempt to regulate social media, requiring registration from companies, was widely criticized as censorship. The protests, dubbed the "protest of Gen Z," also reflected broader discontent among young people regarding a lack of opportunities and perceived advantages enjoyed by the children of political elites. The situation prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, although his whereabouts remained unclear. The military intervened to quell the unrest, deploying troops to restore order in Kathmandu after protesters attacked government buildings, including the parliament building, presidential house, and the prime minister's residence. A jailbreak was also quelled by the military. While representatives of the protesters met with military officials to discuss a transitional leader, with some suggesting former chief justice Sushila Karki, others opposed the choice. The social media ban was eventually lifted, but the protests continued, highlighting the deep-seated anger and frustration among Nepal's youth.
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