Nepal Gen-Z Protester: Violence May End, But Demand for New Rules Must Be Met

Kathmandu, Sept 10: As Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters prepare for a possible meeting with President Ram Chandra Poudel, one of the demonstrators said the recent violent unrest might subside but stressed that their demand for new rules and regulations against corruption must be addressed.

“The Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, ran away. We demand a good leader. We will know today what happens during the expected talks at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” said Subhash, one of the protesters.

He added that the movement reflects the frustration of youth who want opportunities within their own country instead of being forced to go abroad. “The violent protests of the past two days may not happen again, but we want new rules and regulations. The corrupt leaders have run away — now we need a new leader,” he said.

President Poudel is expected to meet the protesters today in an effort to reach a peaceful resolution. His office has appealed to all sides to avoid further bloodshed and engage in dialogue, noting that grievances in a democracy must be resolved through negotiation.

The protests, which began on September 8 in Kathmandu and spread to cities like Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, erupted after the government banned several major social media platforms citing tax and cybersecurity concerns. Demonstrators accuse authorities of trying to curb free speech and are demanding transparency, accountability, and an end to systemic corruption.

So far, at least 19 people have been killed and nearly 500 injured in clashes with security forces. Curfews have been imposed in multiple cities, including the capital, to restore order.

Nepal’s ongoing jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country daily to seek employment abroad, has further fueled the discontent.