Nepal Unrest Escalates: Government Collapses and Gen Z Takes to the Streets

Source: bbc.com

Jejaknesia.com - The voice of resistance from Gen Z, which began as a peaceful demonstration, has turned into a stage of tragedy and unexpected violence. What exactly is happening in Nepal? Let’s unravel the facts, delve into the chronology, and seek the meaning behind this political storm.

Background and Trigger Points

In early September 2025, Nepal entered a serious political crisis. Demonstrations sparked by anger over government policies and allegations of corruption spread across the country.

Parliament Building Set on Fire, Ministers Targeted

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, protests escalated into riots. Crowds burned tires, threw stones, and attacked various symbols of power—including the parliament building and officials’ residences. Moreover, several ministers became direct targets. They were besieged, beaten, kicked, and even forced to be evacuated by military helicopters. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli later announced his resignation, yet public anger remained unabated.

Escalating Tension and Violence

Violence intensified as security forces opened fire on demonstrators—resulting in nearly 22 deaths and hundreds injured. Witnesses reported that politicians’ houses were also targeted and set on fire.

Allegations of Rape and Security Force Brutality

In viral videos, Nepalese influencers raised shocking allegations: women and girls were raped in their own homes merely for participating in peaceful demonstrations. Some of the injured were schoolchildren in uniform—minors who became victims of gunfire and security force brutality.

Chaos That Cannot Be Ignored: The situation in Nepal is far more than a mere protest—it is the roar of change that has spiraled out of control. The firmness of power has turned into dangerous cracks within the system.

Marginalized Generation: Gen Z took to the streets not only out of frustration but as a symbol of hope and rejection of injustice. The government’s repressive measures only widened the chasm of public distrust.

Human Rights and Women in a New Paradigm: Allegations of sexual violence against women by security forces open deep wounds—showing that in political conflicts, women become targets of structural violence. This is not merely criminality; it is a human rights issue affecting fundamental humanitarian values.

Global Implications and Nepal’s Future

On the international stage, such unrest provokes reactions—in the form of criticism toward countries committing repression, and even intervention by human rights organizations. Nepal now stands at a crossroads: either to redefine its political system or sink further into chaos.

The unrest in Nepal reflects systemic failure, but also serves as a call for fundamental reform. Now is not the time to attach stigma, but to invite dialogue, justice, and reconciliation. This collapsing nation demands synergistic political and humanitarian action—placing citizens, especially the vulnerable, at the center. Only then can hopes for social harmony be restored, and Nepal move toward stability grounded in democracy and human rights protection.

References

• Detik.com
• cnbcindonesia.com
• SINDOnews.com