The 2025 Nepal Gen Z protests were nationwide anti-government demonstrations that broke out in September 2025 over a social media ban and allegations of corruption. The primary participants were high school and university students, along with large numbers of young people. The movement spread to many cities, particularly Kathmandu.
Anti-government protests in Nepal, September 9, 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
On September 4, the Nepalese government blocked access to 26 social media platforms. This ban became one of the main triggers of widespread political and social discontent among young people. In the days that followed, police and security forces used water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against demonstrators.
As the clashes escalated, the parliament, the Supreme Court, ministry buildings, and residences of political leaders were attacked, set on fire, or severely damaged. During the protests, raids on prisons led to mass breakouts from more than 25 facilities, with over 15,000 inmates escaping.
At least 72 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured in the unrest. On September 9, 2025, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli resigned, and on September 12, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed as interim prime minister.
Anti-government protests in Nepal, September 9, 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Social Media Ban and Initial Reactions
On September 4, 2025, the Nepalese government blocked access to 26 social media platforms. Among those shut down were Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn. The ban was imposed on the grounds that these platforms had failed to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Under the regulation, companies were required to appoint a local representative, a grievance officer, and a person responsible for content moderation.
The ministry stated that platforms not complying with the registration process were being misused for activities such as spreading hate speech, disinformation, and fraud through fake accounts. Access restrictions were applied to the platforms that did not meet the requirements, while others — including TikTok, Viber, and WeTalk — continued to operate after completing their registrations.
Immediately after the ban, groups of university students, high school youth, and young adults gathered in the streets. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Youth against corruption.” The civil society organization Hami Nepal, which originated as a youth movement, played a leading role in the demonstrations. The first protest marches began around the Maitighar Mandala monument in Kathmandu.
Anti-government protests in Nepal, September 9, 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Spread of Protests and First Clashes
In the days following the ban, large demonstrations broke out in Kathmandu. Protesters gathered in Maitighar Mandala, a major intersection and symbolic landmark, before moving toward the New Baneshwor area, where the parliament building is located. Barricades were erected around the parliamentary complex, but demonstrators broke through and entered the grounds.
On September 8, 2025, clashes broke out between protesters and police. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, later resorting to rubber bullets and live fire. Protesters responded with stones, sticks, and other objects.
At least 19 people were killed in the initial clashes, and more than 400 were injured. Many of the wounded were taken to Kathmandu’s National Trauma Centre, Civil Hospital, and Everest Hospital, where doctors reported that most injuries were caused by gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Several remained in critical condition.
Following the escalation, a curfew was imposed in Kathmandu on the evening of September 8, particularly around the parliament building and the Singha Durbar area. Security was also tightened around the presidential residence, Shital Niwas, and the prime minister’s office.
Most participants in the demonstrations were high school students, university youth, and young adults, some of whom attended in their school and college uniforms. They carried banners denouncing corruption and protesting against the social media ban.
Escalation of Violence and Attacks on State Buildings
After the first fatalities, the protests turned into widespread violent unrest. In Kathmandu, the federal parliament building and the Supreme Court were set on fire. The Ministry of Health and Population building was completely burned down and rendered unusable. Local administrative buildings in other areas were also damaged.
The headquarters of the Kathmandu-based Kantipur media group was attacked, with its servers disabled. The ruling Nepali Congress Party’s central office in Sanepa was torched. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli’s two residences were set ablaze, while the home of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was attacked with stones. The residences of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were also targeted. Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, suffered severe burns after her house was set on fire and remained in hospital care in critical condition.
Anti-government protests in Nepal, September 9, 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu was completely shut down due to security concerns, with all domestic and international flights canceled. Around 1,000 demonstrators set fire to government vehicles near Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini.
The protests spread beyond the capital. In the eastern city of Itahari, two people were killed and dozens injured during clashes. In Madhesh Province, a curfew was declared after hundreds of prisoners escaped from a local prison. Demonstrations in Pokhara and Lumbini also escalated into violent confrontations.
As the unrest intensified, clashes between security forces and protesters grew more severe. Roads were blocked in many areas, and authorities sought to suppress the protests through strict controls and interventions.
Prison Breaks and Security Crisis
During the protests, demonstrators staged raids on prisons across the country. Administrative buildings were set on fire and gates were forced open, leading to mass escapes from more than 25 facilities. Official reports stated that over 15,000 inmates fled, including individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, and human trafficking, as well as foreign nationals.
The army was deployed around prison facilities. At Nawalparasi West Prison, more than 500 inmates escaped. In some areas, police and soldiers opened fire on fleeing prisoners, leaving at least five dead and more than 10 wounded. Following the escapes, army patrols were intensified on the streets of Kathmandu.
A total of 3,723 escaped inmates were recaptured by security forces or surrendered voluntarily. Some were apprehended near border regions while attempting to leave the country. More than 10,000 prisoners remain at large. The government announced that the army had been granted full authority to regain control of the prison raids and mass escapes.
Casualties and Injuries
The death toll rose steadily in the days after the protests began. On September 8, 2025, the first official reports confirmed at least 19 fatalities. On September 13, the Ministry of Health announced that the number had reached 72. More than 2,000 people were injured, with 2,113 cases officially recorded by the ministry. The injured included not only protesters but also police officers and security personnel. Most injuries were caused by live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas canisters.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called for a prompt and transparent investigation into the deaths. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his statement on the casualties, urged restraint and dialogue. Amnesty International declared that security forces had used lethal and disproportionate force and demanded an independent inquiry.
Parliament building set on fire during anti-government protests in Nepal, September 9, 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Government Response and Resignations
Following the outbreak of protests, the government issued a statement affirming its respect for freedom of expression. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the social media ban would be lifted soon. The government also decided to establish a committee to investigate the events in Kathmandu and other regions.
As unrest intensified, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned. He was followed by Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Ramnath Adhikari, and Minister of Water Supply Pradeep Yadav. Protesters set fire to the residence of Communications and Information Technology Minister Gurung.
On September 9, 2025, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli announced his resignation. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the protests and mounting public anger played a decisive role in his decision. In his address, Oli stated that demonstrations which began peacefully escalated into violence after the involvement of certain groups. Following his resignation, he called on all political parties to pursue dialogue.
President Ram Chandra Paudel urged demonstrators to exercise restraint, stressing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and the importance of protecting constitutional institutions. The Office of the President confirmed that Oli’s resignation had been formally accepted.
Residences of ministers and senior politicians were placed under army protection for security reasons. As attacks increased, ministers were evacuated from their homes by helicopter. Security cordons were established around government buildings in Kathmandu.
Role of the Army and Security Measures
As protests escalated and public buildings were set on fire, the Nepalese Army was deployed onto the streets of Kathmandu. On September 10, 2025, military units began patrolling various parts of the city. The army and police carried out joint operations. Troops patrolling the capital detained 27 people reported to have engaged in looting. Flights at Tribhuvan International Airport were canceled for security reasons. In Lumbini and other cities, checkpoints were established to prevent large gatherings of protesters.
With escaped prisoners mixing into the streets, the army was stationed around prison facilities. In some areas, soldiers opened fire on inmates attempting to flee, and heavy security measures were enforced to prevent further prison breaks. A curfew was declared in Madhesh Province in response to mass escapes.
Interim Leadership and Political Developments
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli on September 9, 2025, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister. She was sworn in on September 12, 2025, becoming the first woman in Nepal’s history to hold the office of prime minister. Karki was granted a six-month mandate to lead the country to new parliamentary elections.
After Karki assumed office, curfews were lifted in most of Kathmandu as well as in Chitwan and Ramechhap districts, although restrictions remained in parts of the capital to prevent renewed unrest.
Karki announced that the families of those killed during the protests would receive compensation of 1 million Nepalese rupees (about USD 12,000–17,000, depending on source), while medical expenses for the injured would be covered by the state. She also called for social calm and political cooperation to begin a process of national reconstruction.
Former Chief Justice Karki takes office as interim Prime Minister in Nepal, September 12, 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Shortly after Karki took office, President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives. This move was criticized by eight political parties as unconstitutional, and they demanded the reopening of parliament.
International Reactions
Following the violent unrest in Nepal, several embassies in Kathmandu issued a joint statement. The embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States expressed sorrow over the loss of life. Their statements extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and safeguard fundamental rights. Separately, India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced that it was closely monitoring the situation and expected a peaceful resolution.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep regret over the casualties and called for restraint by all sides, stressing the need for a comprehensive investigation. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that the events must be investigated transparently. The International Crisis Group (ICG) linked the protests to widespread and systemic corruption.
Amnesty International condemned the lethal and disproportionate use of force by security forces. The organization’s statement noted that the use of live ammunition and rubber bullets had caused serious injuries and deaths, constituting a human rights violation. Amnesty emphasized the need for an independent and impartial investigation.
