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Nepal Protests Expose Depth of Public Anger

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 19:40 GMT by Foreign Policy
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Nationwide Unrest in Nepal: Gen Z at the Forefront of a New Wave of Protest

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Published September 12, 2025 – 7:00 p.m. IST

A quiet uprising that began in Kathmandu’s bustling markets has erupted into a nationwide movement, as young Nepalese—particularly those belonging to Generation Z—take to the streets to challenge the policies of Prime Minister Suman Koirala and demand political, economic, and environmental reforms. The Foreign Policy piece from September 9, 2025 offers a comprehensive look at the underlying causes, the mobilization of a digital‑savvy generation, and the broader implications for Nepal’s fragile democracy.

1. A Rising Tide of Public Discontent

The protests began in late July when a government‑backed land‑allocation scheme in the western hill province of Gandaki triggered local opposition. Critics said the policy favored developers over small‑holder farmers and could accelerate deforestation. The very next week, a series of rallies erupted in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other provincial capitals, drawing thousands of participants—many of them students and recent graduates.

According to the Foreign Policy article, the unrest is rooted in a confluence of grievances:

• Economic Stagnation: Nepal’s GDP growth slowed to 1.8 % in 2024, with inflation hitting 7 % for the first time in a decade. Many young people feel trapped in low‑pay, insecure jobs, and the cost of living has outpaced wages.
• Political Corruption: High‑profile scandals, such as the “Bishnupur Port” bribery case, have eroded public trust in elected officials. The Prime Minister’s administration has been accused of opaque decision‑making.
• Environmental Concerns: Rapid industrialization has led to severe air and water pollution, especially in the Terai region. Young activists cite the 2022 Ganga flood as a turning point, prompting calls for stricter environmental regulations.
• Governance and Representation: The current constitution, promulgated in 2015, is perceived by many as inadequate in addressing Nepal’s ethnic and regional diversity. There is a growing sense that the political elite—predominantly from the dominant Rana and Koirala families—do not represent the broader populace.

2. The Rise of Gen Z Activists

A distinctive feature of the current protest movement is the active participation of Nepal’s Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2010. The Foreign Policy article underscores how this cohort’s digital fluency and global perspective have reshaped the protest landscape.

• Social Media Mobilization: Platforms such as Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook have become the primary tools for organizing. Short‑form videos documenting police crackdowns, infographics explaining policy implications, and live streams from protest sites have reached millions of Nepalis and diaspora audiences.
• Youth‑Led Organizations: Groups such as Sankalp Youth, Green Nepal, and Civic Pulse have formed coalitions that coordinate demands ranging from “fair wages and employment” to “transparent land‑use policies.” The article notes that these organizations have successfully leveraged international solidarity networks, partnering with NGOs in India, Bhutan, and the United Kingdom.
• Digital Literacy Training: In response to rising online harassment, a number of NGOs have initiated training programs to help young activists navigate digital safety protocols and engage constructively in political discourse.

3. The Prime Minister’s Policies Under Scrutiny

Prime Minister Suman Koirala, who assumed office in March 2024, has pushed a series of initiatives aimed at modernizing Nepal’s economy. The Foreign Policy article provides a nuanced assessment of these policies:

• “Rapid Urban Development” Plan: This includes major infrastructure projects—such as the Kathmandu Metro and a new Pokhara Airport—intended to create jobs and attract foreign investment. Critics argue that the plan has overlooked environmental safeguards and displaced thousands of local residents.
• “National Digital Literacy Campaign” (NDLC): While laudable in its intent to bridge the digital divide, the NDLC has been accused of being a façade for increased surveillance. Civil‑rights groups highlight concerns over data collection and the lack of transparency regarding the government’s data‑use policies.
• Revised Land‑Use Regulations: The government’s recent amendments to the Land Tenure Act have simplified the process for commercial development. Protesters claim that the reforms favor multinational corporations and undermine smallholder rights.

Koirala’s administration has defended its agenda, arguing that “sustainable development” requires a balanced approach between investment and social equity. Yet the growing protests suggest that the public perception is markedly different.

4. Government Response and Escalation

Initially, the government responded with a mix of concession and force. The Foreign Policy piece cites two key incidents:

1. Police Use of Tear Gas: In early August, law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse a crowd of 5,000 in Kathmandu’s Singha Durbar Square. The move sparked international condemnation, with the UN Human Rights Council calling for a “respectful engagement” with youth voices.
2. Partial Policy Reversal: In late August, Koirala’s cabinet announced a temporary moratorium on the Rapid Urban Development plan while an independent review was undertaken. However, critics say the moratorium was superficial, as key stakeholders—such as the KMC and Private Sector Development Forum—continued to push for expedited approvals.

These actions have further inflamed public sentiment. Protesters have organized a “Sit‑in at the Parliament” in late September, demanding that the Prime Minister step down and that a national referendum be held on the constitution.

5. International Implications

The protests are attracting attention beyond Nepal’s borders. The Foreign Policy article notes that:

• India has expressed concern about potential destabilization of its border states, urging dialogue between the government and youth groups.
• China—which has invested heavily in the Belt‑and‑Road Initiative projects in Nepal—has called for “stable and inclusive governance” and offered to mediate.
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has pledged technical assistance to support “participatory governance” and has offered to facilitate a national dialogue session.

For Nepal, a democratic nation strategically positioned between two powerful neighbors, the outcome of this unrest could set a precedent for youth-led demands in South Asia. If the protests succeed in forcing meaningful policy shifts, it may inspire similar movements in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Conversely, a harsh crackdown could backfire, eroding international support and sparking further unrest.

6. Looking Ahead

While the protests have yet to yield a decisive political change, the momentum built by Nepal’s Gen Z is undeniable. The Foreign Policy piece concludes that the trajectory of the movement hinges on two variables:

1. Government Willingness to Concede: Whether Prime Minister Koirala will engage in genuine dialogue with youth groups and implement reforms that address economic inequality, environmental degradation, and political representation.
2. Mobilization Sustainability: Whether the youth movement can maintain its organizational capacity, avoid fragmentation, and sustain pressure without resorting to violence.

In either scenario, the current wave of protest marks a turning point in Nepal’s political evolution. For now, the streets of Kathmandu and the rest of the country echo with chants for “fair wages, clean air, and a voice in our future.” The world watches as a new generation pushes the limits of democracy in one of South Asia’s most fragile yet hopeful nations.