What began as a peaceful protest has escalated into widespread unrest in Nepal. Students, dressed in school uniforms, initiated what has been termed the Gen Z protests, demanding the government lift a ban on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube. The situation turned violent when authorities opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in at least 19 fatalities.

The protests reflect deeper issues beyond social media access. Many young people are frustrated with poverty, poor infrastructure, and a lack of job opportunities. "Everybody is flying out of the country for jobs. People are facing poverty here. The roads are terrible," said 22-year-old Darshana Padal. She criticized politicians for hoarding wealth, stating, "Development has not been happening because these politicians are keeping all the money in their pockets. This is affecting our future."

Despite the government reversing its social media ban on Tuesday, protests continued. Police deployed tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition as crowds breached barricades at parliament. Hundreds sustained injuries during the clashes. Amid the chaos, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, prompting celebrations in the capital, Kathmandu. Motorbike convoys filled the streets, with riders honking and waving flags. Protesters stormed parliament, vandalizing property and chanting slogans against Oli.

The unrest also claimed the life of Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, who died from injuries sustained when their home was set ablaze. Activist Dovan Rai expressed relief at Oli's resignation but noted that it did not satisfy the demands of many protesters. "We don't want his resignation. We want his head," one protester declared. Another added, "A leader who can order to kill a student is a crime minister; not the prime minister. He needs to be arrested. We want blood for blood."

The resignation has left a power vacuum, raising concerns about potential anarchy. "We don't know how it is going to unfold, anarchy or whether, you know, we might face some constitutional crisis," Rai said. She highlighted the fragmented nature of Nepal's parliament, which has struggled with factionalism and unstable coalitions.

Many Nepalese feel their democracy has been compromised. "Nepal had multiple movements for democracy, but it has still been kind of hosted by the very autocratic, lazy mentality," Rai explained. Since the monarchy's abolition in 2008, the country has faced challenges in establishing stable democratic institutions, with frequent government changes and a political landscape dominated by aging leaders.

The youth's frustration is compounded by a lack of economic opportunities. Approximately 3.5 million Nepalese work abroad, making up nearly 15% of the population. Many send remittances home, which accounted for about a third of the country's GDP in 2024. The disparity between the wealth of political families and the struggles of ordinary citizens has fueled anger.

The government's abrupt social media ban was a catalyst for the protests, revealing a disconnect with a generation reliant on digital platforms for communication and economic opportunities. Critics argue that the ban was a misguided attempt to combat misinformation, which has proliferated in a politically fragmented environment. Rai noted that misinformation is rampant, with political parties often using social media to gain attention.

As the protests continue, the future of Nepal's political landscape remains uncertain. The president is working to appoint a successor, and the army chief has called for peace and security amid the unrest. The protests symbolize not just discontent with the current government but a broader frustration with a political system that has repeatedly failed to meet the needs of its citizens.