"Gen Z protests" sparked by the government's ban on social media platforms.

Summary of the Event

The government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, imposed a ban on major social media platforms (Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) on July 5th, 2024. The official justification was to curb the "misuse" of these platforms for organizing protests, spreading misinformation, and disrupting social harmony after a controversial speech by a pro-Hindu MP.

However, this move backfired spectacularly. Instead of quelling dissent, it acted as a catalyst for the largest and most decentralized protests Nepal has seen in years, led primarily by the nation's youth—dubbed the "Gen Z protests."

The Aftermath and Key Consequences

The fallout from the protests and the ban has been profound, affecting the political landscape, civil society, and Nepal's international image.

1. Government Reversal and Embarrassment

· Lifting the Ban: Facing immense domestic and international pressure, the government was forced to lift the social media ban after just five days. This was widely seen as a major climbdown and a victory for the protesters.

· Exposed Authoritarian Tendencies: The ban was criticized as a blatant attack on freedom of expression and digital rights. It exposed the government's willingness to use authoritarian tactics to silence criticism, a move that alienated many centrist and liberal supporters.

2. The Rise of a New Political Force: Gen Z

· Leaderless Movement: Unlike past protests led by political parties or student unions affiliated with them, these protests were organic, decentralized, and organized primarily through social media before the ban. They lacked a single, identifiable leader.

· Distrust of Traditional Politics: The protesters explicitly rejected the entire old-guard political class, including the main parties like Oli's CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress. Their slogans targeted widespread corruption, cronyism, and the inability of the political system to address basic issues like unemployment, inflation, and poor public services.

· Sustained Momentum: Even after the ban was lifted, the protests have continued, shifting focus to broader demands for good governance, accountability, and systemic change.

3. Intensified Political Crisis

· Weakened Government: PM Oli's government, which already lacked a strong majority, has been significantly weakened. It is now seen as fragile and out of touch with the youth demographic.

· Coalition Under Strain: The ban and the protests have put immense strain on Oli's coalition government. Partners are under public pressure to distance themselves from the unpopular decision, threatening the stability of the alliance.

· Calls for Resignation: The protests have escalated to include direct calls for Prime Minister Oli's resignation, adding another layer of crisis to his administration.

4. Violent Crackdown and Human Rights Concerns

· Police Response: The government responded to the largely peaceful protests with a heavy-handed police crackdown. There are numerous reports and videos of:

  · Excessive use of force (water cannons, tear gas, baton charges).

  · Arbitrary arrests and detentions of protesters.

  · Intimidation and threats against journalists and activists.

· International Condemnation: Organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International condemned the social media ban and the violent suppression of protests. This has damaged Nepal's democratic credentials on the global stage.

5. The "TikTok Tax" and Underlying Issues

The protests, while ignited by the social media ban, are rooted in much deeper grievances. A key catalyst was the government's new ****"TikTok Tax", a directive that required social media content creators to register with the government and pay an annual fee. This was seen as:

· An attempt to control and monetize free expression.

· A tax on one of the few platforms where Nepali youth could create entrepreneurship opportunities.

· Symbolic of a government that seeks to control rather than empower its citizens.

6. The Role of the Army and Fears of Militarization

A highly controversial moment was the government's decision to mobilize the Nepali Army for "crime control" in the Kathmandu Valley during the protests. This move:

· Sparked fears of further militarization of civil space.

· Was criticized as unnecessary and provocative, as the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are typically responsible for managing protests.

· Drew parallels to actions taken by authoritarian regimes.

Current Status and Looking Ahead

The aftermath is still unfolding. The key trends to watch are:

· Sustained Pressure: Will the Gen Z movement be able to maintain its momentum and organize into a more structured force for change, or will it fizzle out?

· Government's Next Move: Will PM Oli offer concessions (e.g., revoking the "TikTok Tax," initiating dialogue) or double down on repression?

· Political Realignment: The crisis may force a realignment of political alliances, potentially leading to the fall of the government and early elections.

· Legal Challenges: The social media ban is likely to be challenged in Nepal's Supreme Court, which could set a crucial precedent for digital rights in the country.

In conclusion, the aftermath of the "Gen Z protests" is not just about a failed social media ban. It represents a fundamental clash between an old political order clinging to power and a new, digitally-native generation demanding accountability, freedom, and a future they feel the current leaders are incapable of providing. The ban was the spark, but the fuel was decades of political stagnation and economic frustration.