Kathmandu: A fierce uprising recently erupted in Nepal, spearheaded by the so-called Gen Z protestors who are advocating for systemic reforms. This turmoil in the Himalayan nation, ignited by accusations of political corruption and a ban on social media, has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 72 people and left over 1,000 injured. The demonstrators set fire to the country's parliament, hotels, and shops, and pursued politicians while igniting their properties. Their demands include an end to corruption, increased job opportunities, and economic reforms aimed at establishing a more accountable government.

Nepal's democratic evolution began back in April-May 1979, when students protested and compelled the monarchy to organize a referendum on the potential for a multi-party system. Over the years, various democratic governments have undermined the Nepalese vision for society and institutions. Recently, a ban on 26 social media platforms uncovered a system of networked authoritarianism intended to safeguard state power. This ban acted as a trigger for the unrest, given the profound discontent and dissatisfaction directed at the Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli government.

Seemingly overnight, the Gen-Z movement galvanized students to respond, garnering widespread public support. This wave of student activism, underpinned by the digital communication of the Discord messaging app, is shaping Nepal's response to pressing socio-economic and political challenges.

Sudan Gurung, a 36-year-old founder of Hami Nepal (We are Nepal), orchestrated massive protests utilizing the Discord messaging app and Instagram, which ultimately led to Oli's resignation. Hami Nepal employed VPNs to navigate banned platforms and mobilized action that reached hundreds of thousands of young individuals who participated in the protest.

For security, he adopted proxy names online and played a crucial role in key decisions, including the appointment of Sushila Karki, the former first female Chief Justice of Nepal, known for her unyielding stance on corruption and dedication to the rule of law, as Nepal's first female interim Prime Minister until elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Simultaneously, core committee members of the Gen-Z movement, Arjun Shahi and Tanaka Dhami, stated in an interview on September 14 that the movement aimed not only at Oli but at all leaders and bureaucrats whose mismanagement, poor governance, and corruption have led Nepal to its current predicament.

Characterizing the protests as a 'do-or-die situation', Shahi and Dhami emphasized the urgency of their mission, vowing to persist until their objectives are fulfilled. The Gen-Z leaders made it clear that they are not focused on determining who should govern but rather on 'reviewing and reforming the system' to guarantee accountability.

The Gen-Z movement has sparked a rebellion against 'nepo kids' and the entrenched elite flaunting their wealth. The movement highlighted an inter-generational clash, with their rallying cry, 'Rise up from every village, rise up from every town', quickly gaining traction on TikTok and messaging platforms. Nepali youth have felt politically marginalized and economically neglected, yet this digitally empowered generation stood up to confront the Oli government.

Karki has indicated that her administration serves merely as a bridge to the elections, asserting that it will operate in accordance with the perspectives of the Gen-Z generation.

The Gen-Z leaders have expressed their desire for other nations, particularly India, to invest in Nepal.

For India, Nepal—a country with a predominant Hindu majority—holds a distinctive and significant position. The Himalayan nation shares an open border of over 1750 km with five Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim. In addition to a vast Nepali diaspora, India hosts more than 43,000 renowned Gurkha soldiers stationed in various regions, including J&K and the Northeast.

In a message congratulating Karki on her new role as interim Prime Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's steadfast dedication to the peace, progress, and prosperity of its neighboring country. Karki is seen as a valuable interlocutor, possessing the insight and understanding necessary for navigating the sensitive strategic bilateral relations. Both New Delhi and Kathmandu are likely to prioritize securing cross-border trade, curbing possible Chinese influence in Nepal's political and economic landscape, and maintaining regional stability.

(The writer is an expert on South Asia and Eurasia. He has previously worked at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views expressed are personal.)