We have seen the recent uprising in Indonesia against ministers getting housing subsidies that many found unfair. Last August saw Bangladesh topple 15-year leader Sheikh Hasina and 2022 brought a new light to Sri Lanka’s political scene with the flight of the Rajapaksas.
Last week, videos from Nepal flooded social media showing users comparing the state of their country against the wealth flaunted by the children of politicians online, alleging that taxpayer money was funding their lavish lifestyles. In what is allegedly seen to be an attempt at silencing the voices of citizens calling the ‘nepo-kids’ out, Nepal banned forms of social media.
This forced students of all ages to take to the streets on 8 September in protest against the rampant corruption in the nation—not against the social media ban.
The Rise of the “Nepo Kid” Campaign
The online campaign began with a trend on TikTok and Reddit labeling the children of political elites as “Nepo Kids.” Borrowed from global conversations on nepotism in Hollywood and Bollywood, the term quickly gained new meaning in Nepal.
Young Nepalis circulated videos highlighting luxury cars, foreign degrees, and expensive holidays enjoyed by politicians’ children. These were juxtaposed with the struggles of ordinary youth, many of whom are forced to work abroad.
Exposing Corrupt Politicians and their Families
byu/Public-Ad5236 inNepal
A Reddit post reflected public anger, saying politicians’ children appeared to enjoy luxury cars, overseas education, and lavish lifestyles funded by taxpayers, while ordinary youths struggled to earn a living abroad.
Videos tagged with #corruptok and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal questioned whether success among political families came from merit or from entrenched privilege. As frustration grew, users began openly calling for street protests.
Government Crackdown and Protests Turn Deadly
In an effort to control the movement, the government blocked access to 26 websites, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. According to officials, the companies’ refusal to register with authorities and misuse were the reasons for the suspension. However, it felt like silence to the young people.
On 8 September, protests broke out in Kathmandu and other locations. With chants like “Unban social media” and “Shut down corruption and not social media,” protesters pushed over barricades near Parliament.
Police responded with batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. By nightfall, at least 19 protesters were killed, including 17 in Kathmandu and two in Sunsari. Hundreds were injured, and hospitals struggled to treat the wounded.
Twenty-year-old protester Iman Magar said he joined the demonstration peacefully but was struck by a live bullet—not a rubber one, losing part of his hand.
Ranjana Nepal, an officer at Civil Service Hospital, recalled the chaos as tear gas spread into the hospital grounds, disrupting doctors’ ability to treat patients.
Amnesty International condemned the government’s use of lethal force, urging an independent probe. The United Nations also called for accountability.
Escalation and Prime Minister’s Resignation
By 9 September, protests intensified despite curfews.
Demonstrators torched government buildings and vandalised the homes of top leaders, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
On the same day, Oli resigned, saying he wanted to “pave a way for constitutional solution.” His decision came after three ministers, including the Home Minister, had already stepped down in protest over the violent crackdown.
Satish Mandal, a 26-year-old protester, said corruption was worsening in every sector, particularly health and education. He condemned the killing of students by police and urged the government to step down.
Why Students Are Leading
For Nepal’s Generation Z, the fight is personal. Many feel shut out of opportunities in their own country, watching peers leave for work abroad while political families live in privilege.
The Kathmandu Post noted that the issue extended beyond social media, framing it as a matter of trust, corruption, and a generation unwilling to remain silent. It argued that restricting access amounted to silencing an entire generation.
Protesters argue that their movement is not only against a ban but against a system that allows corruption and nepotism to persist without accountability.
A Turning Point in Nepal’s Democracy
The events mark Nepal’s deadliest unrest in decades, with 21 killed over two days. Yet many young people view the sacrifices as necessary for change.
Human Rights Watch urged the government to respect peaceful dissent: Human Rights Watch urged the government to rely on peaceful methods before turning to force, stressing that such measures should only be used if all other options to address a genuine threat have failed.
For the students, the protests are about reclaiming a voice in governance and demanding accountability from leaders. In their eyes, the crackdown only validated their fears—that corruption runs deep, and silencing dissent is easier than facing reform.
Nepal’s uprising shows a generational divide: a leadership clinging to power, and a youth determined to demand better. Whether this marks a new political awakening or another chapter in the country’s turbulent history remains to be seen—but the voices on the streets have made one thing clear.
Nepal’s young protesters believe they are fighting for their future, not just for internet access
Watch videos here:
@xyungzx Stop glamorizing nepo babies and their stolen wealth, and stop telling me it’s not their fault. If you object to this, you’re a part of the problem too.. #nepalitiktok #nepobaby #corrupt #corruption #nepobabies
@threadedtruths_
@threadedtruths_ The conditions in Baneshwor are getting tense!!!! #nepaliprotest #stopcorruption #genz #nepalipolitics🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵
@maggieee273 We Are Robbed. No More Silence. Mantri- bindhu Kumar Thapa Mantri’s son- Saugat Thapa . . #nepokids #corruption #fyp #goviral #corruptgovernment
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Shocking Cremation Theft in Nepal: Human Bones and Flesh Stolen During Funeral at Pashupati
Teen Girls Lured for Illegal Egg Extraction, Clinics Investigated
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
