Kathmandu in Flames
Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, has been gripped by two days of fiery protests that left some of the country’s most important political and judicial buildings in ruins.
Protesters set fire to:
- The Supreme Court building
- The Parliament building
- The home of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who had resigned hours earlier
- The headquarters of the Communist Party of Nepal
- The headquarters of the Nepali Congress party
- The homes of three former prime ministers and the home minister, who resigned after security forces killed 22 demonstrators
The scale of destruction has left the nation shaken and uncertain about its political future.
What Triggered the Protests?
The immediate spark was a ban on 26 social media services, including YouTube, LinkedIn, and WeChat. Authorities justified the move by citing regulatory failures, but the ban struck at the heart of Nepal’s culture of free speech.
Social media in Nepal had become:
- A platform for criticizing corruption, using hashtags like #nepobabies and #nepokids to highlight the lifestyles of elites’ children.
- A lifeline for families, as many Nepalese work abroad and rely on apps to stay connected with loved ones.
Although the government quickly repealed the ban after the first day of protests, the anger had already spilled over.
Deeper Roots of Unrest
The protests reflect deeper frustrations:
- 📉 Jobs crisis: Youth unemployment in Nepal is severe, forcing many to migrate for work.
- ⚖️ Inequality and corruption: Public anger is directed at the political elite, seen as benefiting while ordinary people struggle.
- 💔 Police violence: The killing of 22 demonstrators escalated tensions and galvanized opposition.
The Current Situation
As of late Tuesday:
- The military deployed troops in Kathmandu to restore order.
- Flights were suspended at Nepal’s main international airport, diverting planes to other countries.
- The political situation remains unclear, with questions over who is leading the country following multiple resignations.
Final Thoughts
What began as a protest against a social media ban has quickly evolved into one of Nepal’s largest political crises in recent years. The combination of censorship, corruption, unemployment, and state violence has left a volatile mix — one that could shape the country’s political landscape for years to come.
By ✍️ Linda - MicuPost Team
🔍 Sources:
Published by MicuPost – Global unrest explained with clarity.
