Nepal has been rocked by its deadliest youth-led protests in recent years, following a controversial government decision to restrict access to 26 major social media platforms on September 4. The sweeping ban on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X triggered nationwide unrest, culminating in a violent confrontation on Monday that left at least 20 dead and over 300 wounded in Kathmandu alone.

The demonstrations spearheaded by thousands of students and young citizens turned violent after crowds forced their way into the Parliament complex. In response, security forces deployed water cannons, tear gas, and eventually resorted to live ammunition to disperse the escalating protests. Similar scenes unfolded across multiple cities including Pokhara, Butwal, Bharatpur, Bhairahawa, Itahari, and Damak.

Among those at the forefront of the movement is Sudan Gurung, a 36-year-old civic activist and president of Hami Nepal, a youth-based NGO that transitioned from post-disaster relief work into a broader platform for civic advocacy. Before the digital blackout, Gurung’s group had used social media to coordinate protest routes and circulate safety protocols.

In a widely shared Instagram message, Gurung had urged demonstrators to “wear their school uniforms and carry books,” a move designed to emphasise peaceful resistance and dissuade violent escalation.

A Leader Forged by Tragedy

Gurung’s path into activism began after personal loss. In the 2015 earthquake, he lost his child an event that, according to The Annapurna Express, was pivotal in reshaping his life. Once an event organiser, Gurung redirected his energy toward community relief efforts and eventually established Hami Nepal, which initially focused on earthquake response.

He later gained prominence for organising the Ghopa Camp protest in Dharan, calling for transparency at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. His shift from party planner to protest organiser reflects a broader trend of civic engagement driven by Nepal’s younger generation.

“Nepo Kid” Movement Fuels Outrage

While the initial protests focused on lifting the social media ban, the demonstrations soon absorbed other frustrations. A viral online campaign dubbed “Nepo Kid” added fuel to the fire, highlighting allegations of corruption and nepotism among Nepal’s political elite. The term refers to privileged children of influential politicians who are perceived to benefit unfairly from public resources.

The campaign resonated widely, especially among Gen Z protesters who view such inequality as symbolic of the broader failures in governance and transparency.

Government Response and Fallout

In the wake of the unrest, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, citing moral accountability. The military was deployed to control roads leading to Parliament, while curfews were announced across affected regions including parts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara, and Sunsari district’s Itahari.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, under intense scrutiny, insisted that the policy was not meant to suppress dissent. “The government’s intent was not censorship but regulation,” he said, while also blaming the crisis on “infiltration by unwanted elements.”

Facing mounting pressure, the government reversed its decision. Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced after an emergency cabinet meeting that access to the blocked platforms would be restored.

Hospitals Overwhelmed, System Under Strain

Health facilities in the capital, including the Civil Hospital and the Trauma Centre, struggled to treat the surge of injured protesters. According to The Himalayan Times, some hospitals were forced to redirect patients due to a lack of space and resources.

The scale and speed of the uprising have left analysts calling it one of the most powerful displays of youth-led political resistance in Nepal’s democratic history.

A Defining Moment for Nepal’s Gen Z

What began as a protest against internet censorship has become a rallying cry for a generation demanding structural change. At the heart of it is Sudan Gurung, whose leadership has helped channel online frustration into coordinated, peaceful yet passionate activism.

By combining symbolism, social media strategy, and street mobilisation, Gurung has become a defining figure in what many are now calling Nepal’s Gen Z Revolution.