Nepal is facing one of its most fierce political crisis marked by a controversial government decision on social media ban-leaving widespread protests dozen deaths, political upheaval,large amount of public and private property damages.
What happened?
On September 4, Nepal government ordered the ban on 26 social media platforms-including facebook, instagram, WhatsApp and X(formally twitter) because they had not registered with Nepal's communication ministry. This was the effort to regulate unregistered platforms and curb misinformation as cited by the government but many youth saw it as an act of censorship and suppression.It ignited widespread protests by youth basically "Gen Z" and students on the streets quickly spreading through Kathmandu and other cities. Peaceful protest turned into violence when protesters attempts to breach restricted areas near parliament.Police forces used tear gas,water cannons and rubber bullets. The government announced curfew in key area of the country.
Reason of instability
There are the many issues that continue to affect the country's governance and development. Since the end of the monarchy in 2008,Nepal has struggled to maintain stable government. No PM since has completed the full term of five years. Widespread perception of corruption Leaders used state resources and public funds to reward their loyalist and relative prioritising personal profit over national interest.
Nepotism in poltics and business allows upper class to seize economic opportunity. The stark contrast between the lavish lifestyle of political elites and economic struggle of ordinary citizens who were deprived of development benefits.
Stagnant job opportunity, high migration for foreign employment (country's GDP mainly dependent on remittance and tourism) and low expectations for social mobility. This economic desperation has set the stage for long standing frustration in public.
Drivers of the violent protest across the country.
The ban triggered widespread public anger fuelling protests that have been labelled the Gen Z protests (referring to the people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s). The slogan"stop corruption not social media" spreading widely. The "nepo kid" movement (referring to the children of politicians benefitting from their parents) which gained attraction on social media. The protests escalated into violent clashes with security forces. Dozens of police stations, public infrastructure, parliament and ministers' private house including prime minister and former prime minister were vandalised and damaged though the exact number is yet to be confirmed. On September 9,the wife of former prime minister jhalanath khanal tragically scorched and died after her home was burned down. This deadly move led to wide criticism and ultimately the resignation of prime minister KP Sharma Oli along with other cabinet minister.
International Aspects
As India and China both compete for influence often fuelling political divisions within Nepal. The country relies on international support for development projects making it vulnerable to external pressure.
What should be the immediate step to stabilize the situation within country?
Establish an independent commission to investigate deaths and arson. Publish findings pursue prosecution where required.investigation on high profile corruption allegations, seize suspicious government procurement contracts, suspensions of government officials where there is clear evidence. Launch short term programme like wage subsides, public works jobs, rehabilitate vandalised areas incentives for small business loans and accelerated apprenticeship tied to tourism and infrastructure. Restore and protect digital freedoms,.reate consultative roadmap for foreign any digital regulation.
Strengthen independent anti-corruption bodies, tighten public procurement transparency and reform potical finance and nepotism safeguard. Produce a national youth employment strategy(vocational training, digital skills, incentive domestic industry) reduce over dependence on foreign labour migration by creating ways to local employment and entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
The Nepal crisis demonstrates how a specific policy decision(a social media ban) can trigger latent, systematic grievances especially corruption and nepotism into nationwide protest. Crisis reflects more than just political change. It is the moment of deep popular disappointment with political elites and institutions and rising demand for more accountable and transparent government and fair opportunity. The appointment of former chief justice Sushila karki interim prime minister( first female prime minister) marked a historic step for Nepal. Prime minister karki, known for her strong stance against corruption during her tenure as she was the first female chief justice of the country was the top choice of the protesters, who saw it as the victory of the struggle.
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