Gen Z Protest Brings Capital to a Halt

A massive youth-led protest against corruption and the government’s social media ban brought down-town Kathmandu to a standstill on Monday, as thousands gathered at the Maitaghar area, causing traffic disruption at major junctions of the capital.

The demonstration, driven largely by Generation Z, followed a viral online campaign that spread despite restrictions on more than two dozen platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. Calls for mobilisation circulated mainly through TikTok and Reddit, with the campaign branded as a “Gen Z rebellion.”

Protesters accused political leaders’ families of living lavishly on wealth amassed through corruption, using the hashtag #nepobabies to highlight inequality and frustration over unemployment.

Using hashtags such as #SayNoToCorruption and #AwakenNow, the campaign has now moved from online spaces to the streets. Symbolic posts have also questioned how taxpayers’ money is being spent, alleging that it funds the luxury of political elites instead of public welfare.

The movement has gained public backing, with figures like Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and Nepal Electricity Authority’s Kulman Ghising expressing support online.

Social Media Ban Sparks Anger

The government’s recent decision to impose an indefinite ban on unregistered social media platforms has fueled discontent, particularly among younger citizens. In response, Gen Z activists launched their campaign online and are now organizing a demonstration in Kathmandu.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has granted permission for the protest at Maitighar but warned the demonstrators not to enter the restricted zone. Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal confirmed that students approached the office seeking approval, which was granted on the condition that protests remain peaceful and outside restricted zones.

Supreme Court Sides With Government

Meanwhile, the judiciary has also moved in favor of the government’s stance. Ten petitions filed at the Supreme Court challenging the social media ban were rejected at the registration stage. Registrar Man Bahadur Karki decided against admitting the writs, effectively providing the government with legal backing. Court spokesperson Arjun Prasad Koirala confirmed that all ten petitions had been dismissed.

The decision cited a previous full-bench order from the Supreme Court, which mandated that social media platforms must register with relevant authorities before operating in Nepal. The government’s move to shut down unregistered platforms from last Thursday was based on this directive and a subsequent Cabinet decision.

Although the petitions have been refused entry, legal experts note that further writs challenging the rejection itself can still be filed at the Supreme Court.