Nepal is witnessing an extraordinary political transformation after days of violent protests forced Prime Minister KP Oli to resign. On Wednesday morning, army personnel were deployed across Kathmandu and other cities to enforce restrictions and restore peace. What began as demonstrations against corruption and a temporary social media ban has now evolved into a generational movement led by Gen Z. The protesters are demanding not only political change but also sweeping reforms to reshape Nepal’s future.
Gen Z Movement Forces Oli’s Resignation
The youth-led protests shook Nepal’s political establishment. Within days, the rallies turned into one of the largest anti-government movements in decades. Demonstrators stormed government buildings, torched Parliament, and attacked symbols of state authority. The unrest culminated in Oli’s resignation on Monday after protestors attacked his office. Reports confirmed that at least 22 people were killed during the clashes.
Although Oli’s departure marked a major victory for the protesters, their demands go far beyond the removal of one leader. For them, this is the beginning of a movement to overhaul the entire system.
Demands for Reform and Accountability
The protesters have issued a detailed set of demands that challenge the existing political framework. They argue that the current system has failed to deliver justice, growth, or accountability. Their core demand is for Parliament to be dissolved immediately, claiming it no longer represents the people’s trust.
Protesters want the constitution either significantly amended or rewritten from scratch. They insist that citizens, youth, and experts must be included in drafting the new framework. They also call for fresh elections after an interim period, ensuring that polls are free, fair, and based on direct public participation.
Another major demand is the establishment of directly elected executive leadership, which they believe would reduce corruption and inefficiency.
Call for Investigating Decades of Loot
A powerful part of the movement is the demand to investigate corruption and looted wealth over the past three decades. Protesters want illegal assets seized and nationalized. They believe that decades of unchecked corruption by political leaders has deprived Nepal of development and justice.
The protesters have vowed that the sacrifices of those killed during demonstrations will not go in vain. They want the victims to be declared martyrs, with their families provided recognition, relief, and state honors.
Structural Reforms in Key Institutions
The protesters are also demanding structural reforms in five fundamental sectors—education, health, justice, security, and communication. They argue that without rebuilding these institutions, real change cannot take place. For them, the protests are not just about removing a government but about laying the foundation for a new Nepal.
Unemployment, migration, and social inequality are also key concerns. Protest leaders have promised programs to tackle joblessness, stop mass migration, and address injustices that have plagued society for years.
Army Steps in to Control Violence
On Wednesday morning, the Nepalese Army took control of law and order in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and other cities. Restrictions were imposed, and large gatherings were banned to prevent further escalation. Soldiers patrolled the streets to stop vandalism and ensure peace.
The Army issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm and avoid violence. It warned that some groups were exploiting the crisis to damage public property and harm civilians. Despite this, protests continued in several areas, with youth groups demanding accountability for the deaths of at least 22 demonstrators.
The Turning Point: Protests Escalate into Rebellion
The protests initially started as an outcry against the government’s decision to impose a temporary ban on social media platforms. The ban was soon lifted, but by then, the movement had shifted focus to corruption, inequality, and misgovernance. The frustration of a generation boiled over, transforming the demonstrations into a nationwide rebellion.
By Tuesday, Kathmandu had turned into a battleground. Protesters broke through barricades, stormed Parliament, and set the building on fire. Oli’s private residence and other government properties were also attacked. The violence forced the government to call in the Army as police struggled to contain the unrest.
A Movement Beyond Parties
One of the defining features of the uprising is that it is not tied to any political party. Protest organizers clarified that their struggle is for the entire generation and the country’s future. They declared that peace in Nepal can only be achieved if it rests on a new political foundation.
This independence from established political groups has made the movement more powerful. It reflects the anger of a generation that feels betrayed by decades of political corruption, mismanagement, and failed promises.
The Way Forward for Nepal
With Oli gone, Nepal now stands at a crossroads. Protesters want immediate reforms, but the political establishment remains deeply fragmented. The Army’s temporary control can stabilize the situation, but long-term peace will depend on whether leaders listen to the demands of the youth.
The call for rewriting the constitution, introducing direct elections, and seizing looted wealth are radical steps that could reshape Nepal’s governance. At the same time, they present major challenges for the traditional political elite who have benefited from the status quo.
The Gen Z-led protests in Nepal have redefined the country’s political discourse. What began as opposition to a social media ban has now transformed into a full-fledged demand for systemic change. The resignation of KP Oli was just the beginning. Protesters are calling for new elections, a new constitution, direct leadership, and accountability for decades of corruption.
As the Army enforces order, the coming weeks will determine whether Nepal embraces reform or slips into deeper instability. For now, the voice of a new generation has become impossible to ignore. Their movement signals that Nepal’s youth are ready to reclaim their nation’s future, demanding justice, equality, and a new political order.
