Nepal Gen Z Protests Burn Parliament And Luxury Hotels In Chaos

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Nepal has been rocked by massive protests led mostly by Gen Z youth. The protests this week saw demonstrators set fire to the parliament, force the prime minister to resign and flee the country, and attack luxury hotels. The unrest has highlighted frustration with corruption, social inequality, and the lavish lifestyles of the nation’s elite.

Kathmandu Skyline Choked With Smoke

The capital, Kathmandu, has faced dramatic scenes as protesters turned the city into chaos. Smoke covered the skyline when Hilton Kathmandu, the city’s tallest hotel, was set ablaze. Just over a year after opening, the hotel became a symbol of destruction, capturing international attention through viral images and videos.

Hilton Kathmandu Destroyed

Hilton Kathmandu, opened in July 2024 by Shahil Agrawal of the Shanker Group, cost Rs 8 billion to build. Its glass facade and prayer-flag-inspired architecture were widely admired. However, the hotel is now reduced to ashes, reflecting the anger and intensity of the protests. The hotel has temporarily closed, informing guests that future bookings are postponed until the situation stabilizes.

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Attacked

Nearby, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu was also targeted. Built in 2000 and inaugurated by King Birendra, the hotel spans 37 acres and features traditional Newari-style architecture. Protesters attacked the property, causing damage and forcing temporary closure. The hotel website noted that guest safety is the priority and new reservations are deferred until normal operations resume.

Casualty At Hyatt

While no staff were harmed, a 55-year-old woman from Ghaziabad, India, died while trying to escape the hotel with her husband. The couple attempted to climb down from their fourth-floor room using a makeshift rope of sheets and curtains. The husband was injured, highlighting the human cost of the protests.

Varnabas Museum Hotel Also Targeted

A kilometer from Hilton, the Varnabas Museum Hotel, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, was also set on fire. Opened in February 2024, the hotel had a modern design inspired by Kathmandu’s surrounding peaks, and its dining hall resembled Everest Base Camp. The hotel was another target of the protestors’ anger against symbols of wealth.

Protests Triggered By Social Media Ban

The protests were initially sparked by the government banning 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Many young people saw this as a crackdown on free speech. The ban quickly became a symbol of government overreach and fueled wider anti-corruption and anti-elite demonstrations.

Youth Frustration And Unemployment

High youth unemployment in Nepal added to the anger. Gen Z protesters were frustrated with a lack of job opportunities and perceived government corruption. The contrast between the wealth of elites and the poverty faced by many citizens drove young people to take to the streets in unprecedented numbers.

Attacks On Government Sites

Protesters not only targeted hotels but also government buildings and politicians’ homes. The parliament was set on fire, forcing the prime minister to resign and leave the country. The unrest turned violent, with citywide curfews imposed as clashes intensified. The death toll has reportedly reached nearly 51 people, illustrating the scale of the crisis.

Symbol Of Inequality

Luxury hotels like Hilton Kathmandu, Hyatt Regency, and Varnabas Museum Hotel became symbols of social inequality. Their destruction reflects the frustration of ordinary citizens against elite privilege. These hotels, often catering to international tourists and wealthy locals, stood out as reminders of the stark economic differences in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Impact On Tourism

Tourism is a vital part of Nepal’s economy. Attacks on major hotels have disrupted travel and raised concerns for safety. Both domestic and international visitors have been affected, and the temporary closure of hotels could have long-term economic consequences.

Government Response

The Nepalese government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis. While the social media ban was quickly reversed, protesters’ demands now include ending corruption and ensuring accountability among politicians. The protests show a growing demand for change and greater transparency in governance.

Social Media And Mobilization

Social media played a major role in organizing the protests. Even after the ban, communication among protesters helped coordinate actions and amplify their message. Gen Z’s tech-savviness enabled large-scale mobilization that overwhelmed authorities and led to rapid escalation of unrest.

Future Of Nepal

The events in Nepal this week indicate a significant moment in the country’s political and social history. The combination of youth activism, frustration over inequality, and anger at government missteps may lead to lasting changes. How the government responds to citizens’ demands could shape the nation’s future stability and development.

Nepal’s Gen Z protests have shown the power of youth in demanding justice and equality. From setting fire to parliament and luxury hotels to forcing government changes, these demonstrations reflect deep social and economic issues. As the nation recovers, questions remain about political accountability, youth opportunities, and rebuilding critical infrastructure, including tourism facilities that play a crucial role in the country’s economy. The week’s events serve as a stark reminder of how inequality and government actions can spark widespread unrest.

Nepal Gen Z, Luxury Hotel Fires, Anti Government Protests, Kathmandu Violence