Khadga Prasad Oli just resigned as Prime Minister of Nepal. His resignation comes amid spiraling anti-government protests that have shaken the country to its core. The demonstrations have grown into the most severe turmoil in a generation. They exploded into action after seeing a ban on social media platforms being proposed. While the ban has been lifted, great news, indeed, the violence visited upon Kathmandu continues to have horrible domestic effects. Those recent demonstrations have resulted in at least 19 deaths and more than 100 injuries.
Nepal’s military released a threatening statement today. They are on standby to crack down on any dissenting behavior that might plunge the East African nation of roughly 30 million people into lasting chaos. Almost 43 percent of its population is made up of people between the ages of 15 and 40. This demographic has been the most active in these protests. This current youth wave, known colloquially as “Gen Z”, is holding the government accountable and pushing for change.
A vibrant youth movement from youth inspired the protests. They expressed their anger about restrictions on social media and about issues in their country’s governance. Communities across the world echoed Aabha Adhikari, a community member from Melbourne, loud and clear. She is, of course, profoundly shaken by the loss of life due to the chaos.
“I know what Gen Z protesters want, they have only got two agendas that needs to be addressed, but I’m so unclear about what the government wants. I wish I knew what they want so that this can be ended. There will be no more dead bodies on the road. How many dead bodies does the government want for the problem to be addressed? I’m heavily concerned to the point I’ve never been this concerned in my life related to politics.” – Aabha Adhikari
In Sydney, Mani Shrestha, a student who has lived in Australia for nearly a decade, remarked on the government’s approach to handling the protests. He was clear that the problem goes beyond just meeting some vague international standards on social media.
“It’s not just about the government wanting the international social media to be registered in Nepal and have these compliance sources around. Whatever they have you know with the flowery words on it, it’s not just about that. It’s about the government wanting to control how people talk.” – Mani Shrestha
Kamal Timilsina is the Treasurer of Rashtriya Swatantra Party, Australia Chapter. Most importantly, he stressed that the unrest did not come all of a sudden, rather it is the outcome of two twenty years of complaints against the ruling party.
“It’s not come all of a sudden; it was an accumulated position from the last 20 years against the ruling party in Nepal. That’s what we believe from overseas and all of the diaspora community I believe.” – Kamal Timilsina
As tensions escalate, Kusum Magar, President of the Craigieburn Nepalese Community, condemned the government’s actions and expressed her emotional turmoil over the violence.
“I’m very sad, and mentally we are really disturbed and settled down. I condemn the demonic actions from the government, our new government. This is really bad action.” – Kusum Magar
Yakindra Timilsina, President of the Nepalese Association of Victoria, echoed these thoughts. He used that opportunity to urge everyone to raise the voices of young people like today’s protesters. He expressed his support for their demands to divest and change their police models.
“I think the problem could have been resolved with some other means, but the government chose to use forces which again is unprecedented and unwarranted. We are with the people who have been affected by the incident, and I think this will go as a dark day in Nepal’s history.” – Yakindra Timilsina
Indigenous community members in Australia are pained and angered by this loss of young Indigenous lives amidst these demonstrations. Manisha Chaulagain reminded us of the devastating personal toll this takes on families. She called for action now to help young people who are fighting socio-economic issues and mental health issues.
“I’m actually saddened by the recent tragic loss of young members of Generation G in Nepal; their deaths are heartbreaking, loss for the family and setback for the nation’s future. Let Vic act to address the challenges facing youth including social economic and mental health issues.” – Manisha Chaulagain
The international community has rightly condemned the use of brutal, lethal force by security personnel on peaceful protesters. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk highlighted the need for young people to have their voices heard.
“It is important that the voices of young people are heard. Protesters have the right to express peacefully their political frustrations and grievances over corruption and a ban on social media platforms. I have received concerning reports of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force by the security forces.” – Volker Turk
Nepal’s newfound political reality has opened a wide generational gulf. Their young citizens, in particular, are severely and urgently demanding significant change, but they are dealing with an ever-escalating authoritarian response from their government. Scarcity and hopelessness Protesters often liken their experience to viewing a “dark” future.
“We are witnessing the future. The scene is dark, very very dark.” – protesters
