'Nepo Kids trend in Philippines and Indonesia gave us a template': Nepali youth activist explains protests
Nepal is undergoing one of the most turbulent chapters in its recent history, after days of youth-led anti-corruption protests forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and plunged the country into political uncertainty.
What began as peaceful demonstrations against entrenched corruption and mismanagement escalated dramatically after police opened fire on protesters earlier this week, killing 19 people – most of them students, including a 12-year-old child. The crackdown, coupled with the government’s short-lived ban on social media, ignited nationwide outrage.
“The social media ban was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Pratik Kunwar, a Nepali youth activist, in an interview with Global South World. He added that the viral #NepoKids trend, which drew inspiration from movements in the Philippines and Indonesia, helped mobilise young people across the country.
As protests grew, parts of the movement turned violent. Key public institutions, including the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and the government’s Singha Durbar headquarters, were ransacked or set ablaze.
According to Kunwar, Several key political leaders of leading parties were targeted, their houses raided and arsoned - with video evidence of corruption in their homes (like bundles of cash).
“The protest spiralled into anarchy,” Kunwar explained. “There is firm belief among young people that the protest was hijacked by outside or political groups who turned it from a non-violent to a violent one.”
The burning of the Supreme Court has been particularly damaging, leaving around 30,000 pending cases in limbo due to the lack of digital systems for case management. Protest organisers have since distanced themselves from the violence, reaffirming their commitment to peaceful resistance.
In response, Nepal’s armed forces have been deployed under a constitutional mandate to safeguard public order and protect lives and property. “The army, the armed police force and the police force have mobilised to protect citizens from this anarchy,” Kunwar said.
With the prime minister and home minister already resigning and reportedly fleeing for safety, attention has now turned to what comes next. Activists and sections of the public are calling for the creation of an interim government led by youth representatives, the dissolution of parliament, and expedited fresh elections.
“There will be an immediate resignation of the government at the federal and provincial levels,” Kunwar predicted. “An interim government under the leadership of youth representatives is to be constituted, followed by fresh elections. Those responsible for the shootings will be prosecuted.”
Despite the chaos and destruction, Kunwar described the mood among Nepalis as one of “cautious optimism.” Many believe the protests could pave the way for change, even as the country grapples with the scars of violence.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
