Initially started due to widespread public anger and resentment towards the government’s alleged corruption and the killing of anti-corruption protesters, thousands of individuals, many of whom were “Gen Z” took to the streets of Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal. 

They demanded the government lift the previous social media ban that had been placed on 26 apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and to put an end to what the protestors called “corrupt practices.” These “corrupt practices” included favoritism towards loyalists within the government, daily corruption and bribery, and misuse of foreign aid, and importantly the violence used to quell the previous protests.

In response to the mass protests and demonstrations, the police were mobilized to quell the protests, using tear gas, water cannons, and even live bullets to try and dissipate the protestors. The protestors also used violent tactics, including setting fire and vandalizing the government buildings and the homes of government officials on Sept. 9. Clashes between the police and protestors continued for the ensuing week, causing over 1000 casualties and at least 30 deaths. 

“The consequences are going to be manyfold.” Minjae Yoo (10), Global Issues Network executive, said. “Nepal is a country that relies heavily on tourism for income, but because the attacks not only destroyed government buildings but also hotels and infrastructure, tourists may be discouraged from coming. The cause was good, against corruption and all, but I believe that the operation was messy.” 

Consequences are also noted to be beyond just economics. The turmoil showed a stark difference from older protests. It was led not by politicians, but by university students and those of Gen Z, advocating for a new set of rights and notably using a popular gaming chat platform, Discord, to vote for their new prime minister.