Nepal Youth Lead Deadly Protests That Topple Government

University student Aditya Rawal was standing outside Nepal’s parliament with hundreds of other protesters when gunfire erupted. Fourteen people were shot and fell to the ground right in front of him. The protesters were rallying against government corruption and social media restrictions.

The veteran prime minister resigned, and protestors set parliament and key government buildings on fire. The army eventually restored control, but the chaos marked one of the worst unrests in Nepal since the end of the civil war and the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

Rawal’s Close Call With Death

One of the victims was Rawal’s university friend. As Rawal ran to help, he too was shot despite raising his hands to show he was unarmed. Rawal, 22, a digital marketer, told AFP that even though he tried to follow safety rules, he was still targeted.

“I heard that if you raise both hands, they will not shoot, but I was their target,” he said, lying on a hospital bed in Kathmandu’s Civil Service Hospital.

Scale Of Violence And Youth Involvement

At least 72 people were killed during the unrest, which began on September 8. The protests were largely led by young people under a loose 'Gen Z' label, demanding change due to economic problems, government corruption, and social media restrictions.

Rawal said, “Many protests in Nepal were led by older generations, but in our Gen-Z protest, they used guns.” The violence escalated rapidly, with the youth movement showing anger at economic hardship and corruption.

Interim Government Formed

After the chaos, former chief justice Sushila Karki, 73, was sworn in as interim prime minister. She has been tasked with steering Nepal to elections within six months.

Meanwhile, nurses and medical staff struggled to treat the wounded. Nurse Usha Khanal, 36, said her gloves were drenched with blood while tear gas seeped into the hospital. The Civil Service Hospital admitted 458 injured protesters, six of whom later died, showing how young people were at the forefront of the movement.

Rawal’s Injuries And Determination

Rawal’s leg was heavily bandaged, and bullet fragments were lodged in his arm and stomach. Despite this, he said he would join the fight again if needed.

“If there is no change, we still have time to fight,” he said. “We want a transparent government, no corruption, and no dictatorship.” His bravery has inspired many young Nepalis.

Economic Hardship Drives Protests

One reason for the youth protests was high unemployment. Around one in five Nepalis aged 15-24 are jobless, according to World Bank data. The country’s GDP per capita is just $1,447, showing widespread economic challenges.

These economic problems, combined with corruption and poor governance, fueled the determination of young people like Rawal to demand real change.

Family Support And Motivation

Rawal’s cousin, Puja Kunwar, 20, stayed by his bedside, saying, “His actions were for our nation. It really gives me courage.”

On the same hospital ward, 19-year-old Subash Dhakal, shot in his knees, will be bedridden for six months. He said, “The sacrifices of those who died and were injured should not be in vain. This has toppled the government and formed a new one.”

Parents Encourage Youth Participation

Many families supported the youth protesters. Subash Dhakal’s mother, Bhawani Dhakal, 45, a government school teacher, gave him money to take a bus to Kathmandu from their hometown, 30 km away.

She said she had protested earlier in the year against an education bill, but nothing changed. “It’s amazing that the youth brought change in just 24 hours,” she said. “Our sons threw out all the corrupt leaders.”

Protesters Demand Transparency

Protesters like Rawal and Dhakal emphasized that their actions were for the country, not personal gain. Rawal said, “I have no regrets. I have done it not only for me, but for everyone—from my family to all citizens. This pain is temporary, but it will bring change.”

The protesters want transparent governance, anti-corruption measures, and a fair political system. They are determined to prevent a return to old corrupt practices.

Youth-Led Movement Makes History

The September protests were remarkable because of the large role of young people. Most casualties and injuries were among citizens under 30, showing how determined Nepal’s youth are to shape their country’s future.

The movement demonstrated that even in dangerous situations, young people can bring change quickly. Their efforts led to the resignation of the prime minister and the formation of a temporary government within 24 hours.

Medical Staff Struggle Amid Violence

Medical staff faced challenges treating the wounded during the unrest. Tear gas seeped into hospitals, and nurses like Usha Khanal worked tirelessly to save lives. Hundreds of protesters were treated, highlighting the scale and severity of the violence.

The dedication of medical workers and volunteers helped save lives and allowed injured protesters to recover and continue their fight for change.

Nepal’s young citizens hope that this new government will be transparent and honest. They want elections within six months and policies that reduce corruption and improve opportunities for youth.

Protesters like Rawal and Dhakal are ready to continue their efforts if the government fails to meet these expectations. The Gen-Z movement has shown that youth action can have immediate and lasting effects on governance.

Youth Power Changes Nepal

Nepal’s youth protests led to government change after deadly violence and unrest. The movement highlighted the role of young people in fighting corruption, demanding transparency, and shaping their country’s future.

Despite injuries and deaths, protesters remain committed to their cause. Families, medical staff, and citizens all witnessed the power of youth-led action in bringing rapid political change in Nepal.

The events show that even in the face of danger, young people can influence the future of their nation and make lasting changes for a better government.