Nepal PM and President’s houses torched amid massive Gen Z protests, border with India on high alert as protests intensify

Nepal is witnessing its most intense protests in recent years as Gen Z demonstrators took to the streets, setting fire to the private residences of President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The unrest escalated after Oli revoked a social media ban, a move meant to appease youth demands but which failed to quell public anger.

Protesters also damaged the homes of former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known as Prachanda, and Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with Energy Minister Deepak Khadka.

The Nepali Parliament was breached and set ablaze during the demonstrations, prompting authorities to impose curfews in several areas, including the capital, Kathmandu. Police attempted to push back crowds but largely refrained from using force as protesters’ anger intensified.

At least 19 people were killed in violent clashes with law enforcement on Monday, as tens of thousands protested against the social media ban.

Demonstrators also voiced broader grievances against corruption and nepotism, criticizing the advantages enjoyed by the children of influential political leaders, commonly referred to as ‘nepo kids’ and ‘nepo babies’.

Protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Shut down corruption and not social media," "Unban social media," and "Youths against corruption."

Social media posts flooded with hashtags like #NepoKid, #NepoBabies, and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal, reflecting widespread frustration with the political establishment.

“We are here to protest because our youths and friends are getting killed, we are here to seek justice and ensure this regime is ousted. KP Oli should be chased away,” said Narayan Acharya, a protester outside the parliament, according to the Associated Press.

Durganah Dahal, another demonstrator, added, “We need to protest the killings of so many young ones and students. As long as this government is in power, people like us will continue to suffer.”

In response to the escalating violence, security forces along Nepal’s border with India have been placed on high alert to prevent unrest from spilling over.

The situation remains volatile, with authorities closely monitoring protests and deploying forces to maintain order, as Nepal grapples with widespread anger among its youth and citizens over governance and corruption issues.

The demonstrations continue even after the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, leaving Nepal’s political future uncertain as the nation grapples with widespread anger among its youth and citizens over governance, corruption, and social media restrictions.