Nepal in Turmoil After Gen Z Protests Leave 30 Dead, 1,000 Injured; Sushila Karki Emerges as Interim PM Candidate:

Nepal is facing a deepening political crisis after Gen Z-led protests rocked the nation on September 8, leaving 30 people dead and over 1,000 injured, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. The unrest erupted over a controversial social media ban, but quickly evolved into a mass movement reflecting youth frustration over systemic inequality and political elitism. The Nepal government lifted the ban on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, but the protests have only intensified. The youth-led demonstrations, widely known as the Nepal Gen Z Protests, have exposed a growing rift between the political establishment and the country’s younger generation. Army Takes Control, Political Vacuum Deepens With curfews failing to quell the unrest, the Nepal Army has taken temporary control of national security. Curfew hours in the Kathmandu Valley have been adjusted to allow limited movement between 6:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM on September 11. A night curfew remains in place from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for the dissolution of Parliament and the formation of an interim government to restore order and guide Nepal toward new elections. Protesters and several public figures are calling for an overhaul of the political structure. Sushila Karki Tipped as Interim Prime Minister In a surprising turn, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a frontrunner for the interim prime ministership. Supported by Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who dropped out of the PM race himself, Karki has accepted the proposal to lead a transitional government. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Karki said she felt honored by the support of Nepal’s youth: “The Gen-Z group led this historic movement. They’ve put their trust in me, and I’ve accepted their request to lead the interim government,” she said, pledging to prioritize justice for victims’ families. If appointed, Karki would make history as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister. Prisons Erupt Amid National Chaos Amid the unrest, multiple jailbreaks have added to the national crisis. In Ramechhap District, the Nepal Army opened fire to stop an attempted mass breakout, injuring over a dozen inmates. Elsewhere, 750 prisoners escaped from Chitwan Prison, and similar incidents were reported in Bharatpur. Officials have issued urgent warnings for escaped inmates to contact authorities or face re-arrest. Why Are Nepal’s Youth Protesting? What began as outrage over a government-imposed social media ban has grown into a full-blown youth uprising. Protesters say the ban was just the last straw. Underlying grievances include unemployment, corruption, and the perceived nepotism of political elites, whose children, dubbed “nepo kids”, enjoy privilege while many young Nepalis struggle for basic opportunities. As Nepal teeters on the edge of transformation, all eyes are on the coming days—and whether a new generation can reshape the nation’s future.

NEWS