Nepal’s Gen Z protests enter 4th day, demanding Hindu nation status, corruption probe, new constitution, and accountability for political elites.
BY PC Bureau
September 10, 2025 — Nepal’s Gen Z-led protests, now in their fourth day, have escalated into a nationwide movement demanding systemic change, accountability, and recognition of cultural grievances. At the forefront is a call to declare Nepal a Hindu nation, reflecting longstanding sentiments among some activists that the 2008 shift to secularism undermined traditional values.
The unrest, which has already claimed at least 22 lives and injured over 400, erupted following the government’s abrupt ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. Officials cited the need to curb misinformation and hate speech, but critics saw it as a bid to stifle dissent. While the ban has since been lifted, protests have evolved into a broader revolt against corruption, nepotism, and economic inequality.
Key Demands of Gen Z Protesters
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Declare Nepal a Hindu Nation: Restore the nation’s cultural identity.
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Independent Judicial Probe: Investigate corruption scandals, including the 2017 Nepal Airlines Airbus deal.
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New Constitution: Drafted and enacted within two months.
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Prime Minister Term Limit: Restrict to a maximum of two terms.
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Merit-Based Appointments: Cancel politically influenced positions in constitutional bodies and judiciary.
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Accountability for Nepo Kids: End privileges of political elites’ children.
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Interim Government Leadership: Nominate neutral figures like former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
By Tuesday, protests had grown violent, with demonstrators storming and setting fire to the Federal Parliament, Supreme Court, and private residences of key politicians, including former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and other leaders were also targeted. Videos of attacks circulated widely on social media.
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The unrest forced Kathmandu’s international airport to close temporarily, stranding thousands, while public and freight transport ground to a halt due to indefinite strikes.
Major demands by Gen-Z movement in Nepal
1) Justice Sushila Karki as Head of Intrem Govt.
2) Re-Wrote Constitution within 2 months declaring Nepal as HINDU RASHTRA 🚩
3) All Executives should be elected directly
4) Same person can only be PM for two terms
5) Scrap Provinces and…— Lotus Pandit (@PanditLotus) September 10, 2025
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, citing the need to de-escalate the chaos, while reports indicate he and several ministers fled the country amid the turmoil. President Ram Chandra Poudel also stepped down, allowing for an interim administration to be formed.
Gen Z activists—primarily students and young adults born between 1995 and 2010—distanced themselves from the violence, saying opportunists had hijacked their peaceful movement. Over 4,000 participants held virtual forums to draft their charter of demands.
In a key development, protesters nominated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki—Nepal’s first and only female CJ (2016–2017)—to lead the interim government. Karki accepted the role, promising: “My priority is peace and elections within a year.”
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The Nepal Army has taken charge of security, arresting 27 people for looting and seizing 31 firearms. International reactions included condemnation from the UN Secretary-General and Human Rights Commissioner, while India tightened border security and arranged evacuation flights.
Cleanup efforts are underway, led by young volunteers. “This is about reclaiming our future from corruption,” said 19-year-old student Binu KC. With Karki’s interim leadership and calls for fresh elections gaining momentum, Nepal stands at a pivotal crossroads between chaos and reform.
