First of all, thank you to everyone who has reached out to me over the past few days. Your kindness has meant so much. My family in Nepal is safe, and for that I am deeply grateful.
On 8 September 2025, Nepal entered what feels like a defining moment in its history. After years of frustration with a system plagued by corruption, nepotism, and unaccountable leadership, thousands of young people — many of them students — took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities.
The government’s sudden decision to ban 26 popular social media platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) — became the spark that ignited this uprising. But underneath it all, the real driver was anger at the corruption and dysfunction that have paralysed Nepal’s politics for so long.
For Gen Z, this ban wasn’t just about apps being switched off — it was about being silenced. And this generation decided they would no longer accept that. What began as peaceful demonstrations against censorship quickly transformed into a nationwide movement calling for an end to corruption and real accountability in government.
The protests started peacefully, exactly as the young people had planned — with chants, banners, and a clear call for accountability. But the government chose to confront them aggressively. In Kathmandu, as protesters tried to move closer to restricted zones around Parliament, security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition. What had begun as a hopeful, organised demonstration quickly spiralled into chaos.
The images and live videos were heartbreaking. Young people who had set out to make their voices heard were suddenly caught in a storm of violence. Lives were lost, many more left injured, and the streets descended into chaos. Homes, businesses, and government buildings were damaged or set ablaze. What started as a hopeful demand for change turned into scenes of destruction and grief.
As the protests grew, so did the confusion. Social media feeds were flooded with conflicting reports, rumours, and fake news. Some accounts exaggerated events, while others downplayed them. For those of us following from outside, it was incredibly difficult to know what was real. Sorting fact from fiction became one of the hardest parts of understanding what was happening — a reminder of just how dangerous misinformation can be in moments of crisis.
The human cost has been devastating. At least 51 people have been killed so far, including protesters, police officers, and bystanders. Thousands more have been injured. Families have been torn apart in the process.
The political consequences have been equally dramatic. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking moral responsibility for the bloodshed. The government, under immense pressure, was forced to lift the social media ban that had sparked the protests. And in the most significant shift yet, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down.
Nepal’s Parliament has been dissolved, and a historic transition is now underway. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the interim Prime Minister, becoming the first woman ever to hold the role. New elections have been scheduled for 5 March 2026 — a date many Nepalis are already marking with both hope and uncertainty.
Like so many others, I feel shock, sadness, and anger. It’s hard to comprehend how quickly things escalated, and how many lives have been lost or disrupted. Yet, amid the grief, there’s something powerful about seeing people — especially the youth — stand together and say “enough is enough.”
Nepal is at a crossroads. Change is never easy, and it often comes at a painful cost. But I truly hope this moment becomes the turning point that leads to real accountability, genuine reform, and a brighter future for the country I love.
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Take care,
M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO
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