TEENAGERS PROTEST IN KATHMANDU, NEPAL
On September 8, 2025, thousands of young people in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, began demonstrations. The demonstrations were against the government’s ban on multiple forms of social media, including YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. The protests became violent when the demonstrators clashed with the police. Even though the ban was lifted on September 9, and the former Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, stepped down, the protests continued.
The protests began due to the ban on multiple social media apps. Social media is very important in Nepalese life. Since a significant number of the Nepalese population lives abroad, social media allows them to communicate with family members. Many Nepalese were afraid that the ban on social media would cut off their communications. Many protestors also argued that the government banned social media to prevent the organization and encouragement of protests.
Even after the ban was lifted, many protestors blamed the former Prime Minister and his government for using the country’s taxpayer money for their own personal gain. Many are also upset about nepotism. Nepotism refers to the use of one’s power to give special treatment to personal friends and relatives. For example, this could include jobs and promotions, even when more capable people are available. Before the protests, many pictures of the children of such leaders living more than comfortable lives appeared on social media. Hence, many protestors are angry about how the government is spending the citizens’ money for its own gain. The demonstrations quickly became a way for the protestors to vent their feelings about the government’s corruption.
Nepal, a country in South Asia, contains the Himalayas, as well as the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. The country is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. However, Nepal is also known for its political instability. It has experienced fourteen separate governments over the past seventeen years, and it also has a high track record of corruption. Nepal has an extremely high amount of unemployment and poverty. Many Nepalese people feel dissatisfied with the way previous governments have dealt with important issues. Many of the protestors were teenagers who believed the main problem in Nepal was unemployment.
On September 10, 2025, the military intervened in the protests. They instated a nationwide curfew, meaning that everyone in the country must remain in their homes at all times. The military has set up talks with the leaders of the protests to try to work out a peaceful solution. The people of Nepal are closely monitoring the progress of the talks, which will determine the next leader of Nepal.
Resources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cr4q629vlw7o