Nepal, a beautiful country located at the foothills of the great Himalayas, is currently witnessing an uprising against the government and the ways of the government in Nepal. This protest is mainly being led by the youth of 13-28 years to fight against the unjustified ban of social media apps, prevalent corruption and lack of economic opportunities in the country. The government of Nepal recently announced a ban on social media apps which fuelled the youth of the country and evoked a sense of rebellion to fight against the ill practices of the government.
What is happening in Nepal?
The government of Nepal, recently announced the ban on 26 social media apps in order to eradicate false narratives that were being spread across social media and also due to the hate it propagates. The main apps that were banned were, Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube and X. but the Genz believed that this ban was promoted to hide the corruption that was present in the country. A propaganda was being floated on social media, presenting the reality of the lavish lifestyles and homes of politician’s children, also known as, ‘Nepo Kids.’
This ban triggered the youth as most of them depend on these social media platforms for business, communication, news and job opportunities. In response to the ban, the youth took it to the streets and began protesting violently. The houses of politicians were attacked, police booths were burnt down and constant violent clashes were taking place in the country.
The Violence
The protest escalated to such a level that the police had to release tear gas and fire rubber bullets to control the protestors. The protestors entered and attacked the parliament complex in Kathmandu. They also broke the barricades and fought with the police despite getting beaten by batons by the police. The attack spread across small cities as well leading to violent clashes of the citizens with the police officials. This violence and protest have costed more than a dozen of life and hundreds are injured.
Why did the protest take place?
- Corruption in all sector: The youth of Nepal believes that every sector of human life be it education, health, corporate etc, every place is booming with corruption in Nepal. The politicians are enjoying the fruits of the corruption by living a lavish life but a common man is struggling to find a good job for himself.
- Failing economy and youth unemployment: Nepal’s unemployment rate has been 20.8% as per official reports. Most of the Nepal’s population depends on the family members living abroad. This presents the economic crisis the nation is in right now. The government has also been unable to eradicate this issue since long.
- Freedom of expression: Due to ban on major social media apps, the freedom of expression of the citizens of Nepal was snatched away. More than 45% of the population of Nepal uses social media. This ban agitated the people and presented the violation of digital rights by the government.
The government official’s resignation
After witnessing the havoc and violence across the nation, the prime minister of the country, K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday i.e. 9 September amidst the escalated violence that reached even the parliament. The other officials of the Oli government also resigned from their posts. Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak resigned on 8th September. the government although has now lifted the ban but the citizens of Nepal are still fuelled up and in a mode for vengeance. They have set fire to many of the politicians of Nepal. The international airport has been closed temporarily due to rising violence which may affect domestic and international flights.
How is the world reacting to the protest?
The United Nations Human rights organization is against the force that the officials, police force and army is using against the citizens. UN human rights activists are asking for independent investigations into the massacre killings. The entire world is under utter shock after witnessing the violence and condition of Nepal currently. India, being a close neighbour of the country is calling for a peaceful resolution to the protests. Security has been increased in states sharing borders with Nepal.
Conclusion
The protest by the Gen-Zs of Nepal serves as a reminder to the government of Nepal that this new generation of citizens won’t sit back and watch the corruption, irresponsibility and injustice prevail in the country. Although the government has now the lifted the ban but the protest has escalated to the level that is causing several lives of the people. Top officials are fleeing from their homes and politician’s homes are being attacked continuously. In order to eradicate corruption and economic crisis in the country, the protest still remains unsolved with no prime minister on the seat. As the protests continue, the world is watching how Nepal will come out of the tradegy.
