Nepal has been gripped by intense anti-government protests led largely by the country’s youth, commonly referred to as Gen Z, which have escalated into violence and widespread unrest. On Tuesday, protesters reportedly stormed the private residence of President Ramchandra Paudel in Kathmandu, vandalising property and setting parts of the house on fire.
The unrest also spread to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence, which was torched, alongside the homes of various political leaders and party offices. In a major escalation, protesters set fire to the Nepal parliament building, symbolising their growing anger at the ruling establishment. The violent demonstrations followed government’s attempt to regulate social media, leading to widespread backlash.
Security forces deployed tear gas and live ammunition against crowds, resulting in at least 19 deaths and hundreds injured. Faced with mounting pressure, Prime Minister Oli resigned, with several ministers also stepping down amidst the crisis.
Clashes, Vandalism, and Government Actions
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes with large groups of protesters breaching security at President Paudel’s residence in the Bohratar area of Kathmandu. Demonstrators damaged interiors, burned possessions, and destroyed portraits of political figures.
Similar attacks affected the homes of the Prime Minister and other senior officials, with some demonstrators attempting to storm opposition leaders’ residences as well. Videos showed thick black smoke rising from the parliament complex after it was set ablaze.
Police responded with force, tear gas, water cannons, and live rounds, sparking condemnation from human rights groups. The interior ministry condemned the attacks as “an assault on national dignity,” and Prime Minister Oli called an all-party meeting to address the crisis before announcing his resignation.
Roots of the Unrest and Political Implications
The protests were triggered by the government’s controversial ban on 26 social media platforms for failing to register under new regulations. The ban, seen as censorship, mobilised Nepal’s youth who are frustrated by widespread corruption, nepotism, and economic hardships.
The Gen Z-led movement rapidly grew, with thousands rallying against perceived government suppression and demanding accountability. The violent crackdown by security forces, which left many injured or dead, inflamed public outrage further. The closure of the Tribhuvan International Airport and evacuation of government officials underscored the depth of the crisis.
Political analysts point to the protests as a critical moment in Nepal’s turbulent democracy, shaped by both internal grievances and regional political dynamics.
The protests were also marked by widespread school closures and curfews in Kathmandu, with streets blocked by burning tyres. Calls for fresh elections and dissolution of the existing parliament have intensified, reflecting deep-rooted demands for political accountability and systemic change.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The tragic events unfolding in Nepal underline the urgent need for empathetic leadership and peaceful civic engagement. Violence and destruction of homes and institutions risk deepening divisions and hampering democratic progress.
At The Logical Indian, we believe the voices of the people, especially the youth, must be heard and addressed through dialogue, transparency, and respect. Governments must protect the right to dissent while maintaining public safety, and protesters must pursue justice without resorting to harm or chaos.
Inside president private residence pic.twitter.com/ZydBNDkMOO
— Out of Context Nepal🇳🇵 (@NoContextNepol) September 9, 2025
