Nepal's Youth Protest Movement Claims 'Hijacking' Amid Unrest

Sat Oct 18 2025 20:34:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As protests against corruption ignite chaos in Nepal, Generation Z activists assert their movement has been infiltrated by opportunist elements, leading to violence and arson across the nation.

The protests in Nepal, triggered by government corruption and a ban on social media, have escalated, resulting in violence and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. While Gen Z activists claim their peaceful movement has been 'hijacked' by violent infiltrators, the military patrols the streets enforcing curfews to restore order amidst ongoing unrest.

Nepal's army has deployed patrols on the streets of Kathmandu, as the Himalayan nation reels from its worst unrest in decades.

Fierce protests against corruption and nepotism spiralled further on Tuesday into arson and violence. The prime minister resigned as politicians' homes were vandalised, government buildings were set ablaze and parliament was stormed and torched.

But the 'Gen Z' groups spearheading the protests have distanced themselves from the destruction, saying the movement has been 'hijacked by opportunist infiltrators.'

On Wednesday the streets of the capital Kathmandu appeared calm, but smoke was still rising from burning buildings and charred vehicles lay on roads.

Nationwide curfews are in place until Thursday morning, the army has said, warning of punishment for anyone involved in violence and vandalism.

Twenty seven people have been arrested for their involvement in violence and lootings, while 31 firearms have been found.

The military is attempting to control a volatile situation, following the resignation of PM KP Sharma Oli, which has left a leadership vacuum.

His government's abortive attempt to ban social media triggered the demonstrations that saw 19 protesters killed in clashes with police on Monday.

Those deaths - which have since risen to more than 20 - only fueled the unrest on Tuesday. Scenes of violence and vandalism illustrate the visceral intensity of the anti-government demonstrations.

Many protesters are worried that the movement has been co-opted by 'infiltrators'.

Tuesday's protest 'organised by Nepal's Generation Z was conducted with a clear vision: to demand accountability, transparency, and an end to corruption,' read a statement issued by protesters.

Our movement was and remains non-violent and rooted in the principles of peaceful civic engagement.

The army too has alleged that various 'individuals and anarchist groups' had infiltrated the protests and were damaging private and public property.

In the weeks before the protests, a 'nepo kid' campaign had spotlighted the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children and allegations of corruption.

While the social media ban was hastily lifted on Monday night, the protests had gained momentum, plunging the nation into chaos.

On Tuesday, several locations in Kathmandu were targeted, including the burning of the Nepali Congress Party headquarters and vandalising the Supreme Court, leading to delayed legal proceedings.

Prime Minister Oli's resignation did not clarify the future leadership, leaving citizens questioning the direction of their governance.

The Generation Z protesters emphasized their goal for a government free from corruption and commitment to public welfare, asserting their peaceful intentions to address the nation's crises.