Nepal in Flames.

Nepal is often called the “Himalayan country” because much of the majestic Himalayan range lies within its borders. The nation is also known for its unique culture, traditions, and spiritual heritage, along with its peaceful valleys and rivers.

People in Nepal wear colourful traditional clothes, and many women adorn a red dot (tika) on their forehead as a symbol of the Hindu faith and blessing. Agriculture remains the backbone of village life, with fields of rice, maize, and millet shaping the rural landscape.

History of Nepal and no invasion

Unlike many of its neighbours, Nepal was never invaded or fully colonised.

India, on the other hand, fought a long and difficult freedom struggle that gained international attention. In the early years, the British introduced industries and provided limited employment opportunities—something the Indian monarchy had not offered to all. However, British rule also came with exploitation: they invaded India, looted vast amounts of wealth and gold, and exported Indian spices and cotton across the world. At the same time, the English language spread, and India eventually gained international recognition.

India launched its first newspaper in the 18th century and its film industry in the early 20th century, creating opportunities for writers, journalists, and actors. Despite the weight of colonialism, India managed to nurture a strong sporting culture—cricket, hockey, and chess became national obsessions, fueling debates over whose six, goal, or checkmate really mattered. Today, Indian children and youth are deeply immersed in education, skill-building, and careers, while many retired elders spend their time travelling.

In contrast to India, Tibet, or much of Southeast Asia, Nepal’s independence allowed it to preserve its sovereignty and cultural roots. Yet this freedom also came with a quiet cost: the absence of certain modern developments that colonial influence—despite its exploitative nature—introduced elsewhere.

People in Nepal grew up in an environment where they did not experience the same kind of oppression seen in many other countries. With less outside influence, they did not feel a strong sense of urgency, focusing instead on essentials such as food and education.

As new generations began moving abroad and witnessing how the world was progressing, many started to feel that their own country was falling behind in areas like sports, education, and cinema. Meanwhile, nations such as Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Dubai—despite having limited resources—were advancing rapidly.

Nepal, on the other hand, possesses fertile agricultural land, abundant water, and strong tourism potential. Yet, despite these advantages, progress has been slow. Even though the country’s politics have long claimed to work toward creating employment opportunities for the youth, meaningful results remain limited.

Nepal Once Peaceful, Now in Flames

Nepal, once known as a peaceful nation, is now under fire. On 8th September, the youth took to the streets in violent rage, and by the end of the day, 19 lives were lost. The date will be remembered as a black day, one that left chaos and fear in the minds of people.

Why did this happen?

Because the government decided to ban social media platforms. What may look like a simple decision was, for the youth, a breaking point. It was not something they could easily digest.

The ban was just the spark. Deep down, Nepal’s youth have been suffering silently — from unemployment, inequality, lack of opportunities, and widening gaps between rich and poor. Social media had become more than entertainment; it was a place to earn, to speak, to breathe freely. When even that space was taken away, anger exploded onto the streets.

The tragedy of 8th September is not only about social media. It is about a generation unheard, silenced, and pushed to the edge.

Government in Damage Control

After witnessing teenagers and youth actively joining the protests, the government quickly switched into damage control mode. On 9th September, all 26 previously blocked social media platforms—Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, WeChat, and others—were restored to full functionality.

This move clearly exposed the policy failure of the Nepalese government: first gaslighting the people by stripping away their digital communication rights, and then hastily reinstating them. It revealed how lightly the government had taken the younger generation—underestimating their voice, unity, and frustration.

Prithvi Subba Gurung, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, is now urging the youth to end their street protests. But his appeal comes across as nothing more than a reversal tactic—like handing out a lollipop to restless children after scolding them.

The government’s sudden U-turn—first banning social media, then restoring it—only highlights its shallow attempt at pacifying the youth rather than addressing the root causes of their anger.

Deep down, the root cause of the situation lies in economic inequality. Citizens are frustrated by the widening gap between the rich and the poor in a nation already burdened with poverty and limited opportunities.

High-profile corruption cases have shattered the hopes of the younger generation. Generation Z is fed up—their patience has run out. They now stand in a do-or-die position, fighting for their own future.

Their dreams and opportunities are being blocked by the same elites who have enjoyed inherited wealth for generations, keeping the poor silent and powerless.

Political unrest in Nepal

This wave of oppression has forced opposition parties to intensify their pressure on Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, demanding his resignation. Even loyal supporters within his own party are beginning to drift away, openly criticising the ruling leadership and holding it responsible for the damage inflicted on the nation.

The violent response by security forces has made the political crisis worse. Instead of stopping the protests, the killing of young protesters has fueled more anger and louder demands for justice.

The loss of 19 lives during the September 10 protests is a painful reminder of what can happen when governments use force against their own people. Even the new government that takes over will hesitate to impose any restrictions, fearing the same backlash.

Reference

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