Youth-Led Protests Erupt in Nepal Amid Deadly Clashes with Security Forces

Nepal Rocked by Deadly Mass Protests Led by Gen Z KATHMANDU, Nepal - Over the past 48 hours, Nepal has been gripped by mass protests led by young people who are frustrated over the country's leadership. The demonstrations turned deadly on Tuesday night when the Nepali army deployed troops to restore order after prominent government buildings were set on fire, politicians were attacked, and violent clashes erupted between protesters and government forces. At least 19 people have been killed in the protests and more than 200 others were admitted to the hospital due to injuries, according to Nepal's Civil Service Hospital. The prime minister, Khadga Prasad Oli, stepped down earlier in the day in response to the ongoing fallout. The protests began as a reaction to the government's decision to ban several social media platforms, which many young people saw as an attempt to suppress their voices and freedom of expression. "We are not just protesting against the ban on social media, but also against corruption, unemployment, and the widening wealth gap in our country," said 20-year-old protester, Rohan Shrestha. Frustrations have been mounting among young people in Nepal over the country's high unemployment rate and growing wealth disparity. According to the Nepal Living Standard Survey 2019, nearly 40% of Nepali youth are unemployed, while the top 1% of earners hold more than 20% of the country's wealth. The government's decision to ban social media platforms was seen as a move to silence critics and opposition voices. "This is a clear attempt by the government to suppress dissenting voices and maintain its grip on power," said Dr. Kumar Paudel, a political analyst at Tribhuvan University. However, not all young people are in favor of the protests. Some have expressed concerns about the violence and destruction caused by the demonstrations. "While I understand their frustration, I don't think burning down government buildings is the right way to express dissent," said 22-year-old student, Aishwarya Thapa. The current situation remains volatile, with reports of ongoing clashes between protesters and government forces. The Nepali army has been deployed in several parts of the country to maintain order, but the situation is expected to remain tense until a new prime minister is appointed. As Nepal grapples with its internal crisis, international observers are watching closely. "The situation in Nepal highlights the need for inclusive governance and policies that address the concerns of young people," said a spokesperson for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nepal. In the coming days, Nepal's new prime minister will face significant challenges in addressing the grievances of the protesters and restoring stability to the country. *Reporting by Npr.*