Key Points:
- Gen Z protesters storm Federal Parliament in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, after government bans 26 social media platforms
- Police fire rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons as peaceful protest turns violent
- Curfew imposed from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM in New Baneshwor area by Kathmandu District Administration
- Nationwide protests across Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and other cities against corruption and social media restrictions
- “Nepo Baby” trend on TikTok exposes privileged lifestyles of politicians’ children amid youth unemployment crisis
Kathmandu: Tensions erupted in Nepal’s capital on Monday as hundreds of Gen Z protesters breached police barricades and forced their way into the Federal Parliament premises in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, transforming what began as a peaceful demonstration into violent clashes with security forces.
Social Media Ban Triggers Mass Youth Movement
The unprecedented protests stem from the government’s decision on September 4, 2025, to block 26 major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Discord, and Reddit for failing to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The ban has effectively cut off digital communication channels for millions of Nepalis, particularly impacting young people who rely on these platforms for work, education, and staying connected with family members working abroad.
The government’s official justification that platforms were “not registered” has been widely dismissed by protesters as an attempt to silence critical voices and control information flow. This digital crackdown has galvanized Nepal’s youth, with more than half the country’s population under age 30, into organizing the largest youth-led demonstration in recent years.
Parliament Breach Forces Security Crackdown
What started as peaceful demonstrations at 9:00 AM quickly escalated when protesters broke through multiple police barricades and climbed over gates to enter the restricted Parliament complex. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and eventually rubber bullets as protesters refused to disperse despite repeated warnings.
The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed an emergency curfew from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM covering key areas around New Baneshwor, extending west to Bijuli Bazaar bridge, east to Tinkune Chowk, north to Ratna Rajya School, and south to Shankhamul bridge. The curfew order, issued under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act, prohibits all gatherings, processions, and demonstrations within the designated zone.
“Nepo Baby” Movement Exposes Elite Privilege
The protests have been fueled by a viral “Nepo Baby” trend on TikTok (the only major platform still accessible), where young Nepalis expose the luxurious lifestyles of politicians’ children while ordinary citizens struggle with unemployment, lack of healthcare, and basic necessities. Videos contrasting designer clothing and foreign education of political heirs with the hardships faced by migrant workers have resonated powerfully across the country.
Protesters carry slogans like “The leaders’ children return from abroad with Gucci bags, the people’s children in coffins,” highlighting growing frustration over systemic inequality and corruption. This digital resistance movement has used TikTok as an organizing platform, with thousands of videos criticizing the privileged lifestyles of political families.
Nationwide Demonstrations Spread Across Cities
The movement has expanded beyond Kathmandu, with simultaneous protests erupting in Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, Chitwan, and other major cities. The leaderless and spontaneous nature of these demonstrations reflects genuine grassroots anger among Nepal’s youth, who feel disconnected from traditional political parties and leaders.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, an independent candidate whose 2022 victory inspired many young Nepalis, publicly expressed support for the protests, stating they will be “important in understanding the aspirations and goals of Gen Z”. However, concerns have emerged about political parties attempting to co-opt the youth movement for their own agendas.
Digital Workarounds and Government Warnings
Despite the ban, many users have turned to VPNs, proxy browsers, and foreign eSIMs to maintain access to blocked platforms, with Google searches for “VPN for Nepal” surging by over 400% overnight. However, Nepal Police’s cyberbureau has issued warnings about using unverified VPNs, citing risks of malware, fraud, and phishing attacks.
The workarounds remain largely inaccessible to older users, rural students, and small businesses who lack technical knowledge or resources, creating a digital divide that particularly impacts vulnerable populations.
Government Under Pressure
The KP Oli-led government faces mounting pressure as the protests represent the most significant youth-led challenge to authority in recent years. The demonstration organizers have made clear they do not support any existing political party, demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to systemic corruption.
The government’s heavy-handed response, including the use of rubber bullets and emergency curfews, has drawn criticism from journalists and civil society organizations who staged their own demonstrations on Sunday calling the restrictions undemocratic and a return to authoritarianism.
International Implications
The social media ban mirrors similar restrictions imposed across South Asia, with India’s 2021 Information Technology Rules requiring platforms to maintain local compliance officers and grievance mechanisms. However, Nepal’s overnight implementation without consultation has been particularly jarring for a country that relies heavily on digital communication for its diaspora workforce.
The protests highlight broader tensions between government control and digital freedom in the region, with young people increasingly unwilling to accept restrictions on their connectivity and expression. As demonstrations continue despite the curfew, the government faces a critical decision on whether to escalate enforcement or seek dialogue with the protest movement.
