Nepalese army urges protesters to appoint representative
2 Min Read
The Nepalese army calls on protesters to name a representative following deadly clashes in Kathmandu and the resignation of Prime Minister Sharma Oli.
-
Protesters celebrate at the parliament building after it was set on fire during a protest against social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP)
The Nepalese army has called on demonstrators gathered at its headquarters to disperse and appoint a representative by the following morning to engage in formal crisis talks, local media reported on Wednesday.
The appeal comes following nationwide unrest driven by the Gen Z movement in Nepal, which has mobilized thousands in protest of a sweeping government ban on major social media platforms. The movement, now in a critical phase, is reportedly experiencing internal rifts as talks with the armed forces continue.
Military officials emphasized that only a formally appointed representative should propose candidates for new national leadership.
Social media ban sparks nationwide protests
The current wave of Nepal protests was triggered by the government's September 4 decision to block access to 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X, citing non-compliance with mandatory registration under the Ministry of Communications.
In response, a youth-led uprising erupted across Kathmandu and other urban centers under the slogan "Shut down corruption, not social media." Generation Z, which makes up over 20% of the population, spearheaded the movement, viewing the ban as emblematic of broader issues like digital censorship, rampant corruption, unemployment, and political stagnation.
On Monday, the government lifted the ban in an attempt to quell tensions. However, the situation escalated further when demonstrators stormed the parliament and torched the residences of several high-ranking officials. Police forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. The Kathmandu clashes resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
In the wake of the violence, Prime Minister Sharma Oli resigned on September 9 after his official residence was breached. The army has since been deployed to enforce curfews and secure key sites across the capital. Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily closed, signaling the seriousness of the security situation.
The 2025 uprising is the most significant political movement in Nepal since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. While the protests were initially triggered by digital censorship, they quickly evolved into a broader demand for accountability, transparency, and democratic reform.
