The fury of the youth, often referred to as Gen-Z, was amplified by a viral social media campaign dubbed the “Nepo Babies” trend. This campaign, largely active on TikTok, exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, creating a stark and visible contrast to the daily struggles of a nation.
On Monday, September 8, thousands of young demonstrators took to the streets of central Kathmandu and other cities, initially gathering peacefully while waving national flags. But the situation quickly turned to violence leading to many casualties.
On September 9, protests escalated as demonstrators breached security barricades, leading police to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition. In the chaos that followed, major government buildings, including the federal parliament, were set on fire. The residences of political figures were also targeted.
The human cost of this uprising was tragically high. As confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Population, the death toll reached 51, with 1,368 individuals injured. The deceased included 21 protesters, 3 police personnel, and 9 prisoners who died during escape attempts.
A nationwide curfew was imposed on September 10, bringing the unrest to a halt after a near-total collapse of civilian governance.
Following the chaos, Prime Minister Oli resigned, and in a remarkable turn of events, the youth-led protest group successfully nominated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister, who was sworn in as the country’s first female prime minister.
The past week has been a painful reminder of the fragility of peace and the immense courage of a people seeking a brighter future.
We watched with heavy hearts as events unfolded, and we mourn with all of Nepal. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the 51 individuals who lost their lives in the protests. We are united in grief for the protesters, the police, and the innocent civilians who perished in the conflict.
This week, we have seen the strength and courage of Nepal’s young generation. Their demand for a new Nepal built on accountability, transparency, and freedom is a testament to the nation’s enduring spirit.
As we begin to rebuild and heal, we stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal. We believe in your resilience, your hope, and your capacity to forge a future where peace and prosperity prevail.
We pray for a new Nepal.