Youth groups from Nepal’s Gen Z community intend to gather at Maitighar, Kathmandu on Monday at 9 a.m. local time to protest what they see as a government effort to limit social media and a general atmosphere of corruption.
Organizers said that the Kathmandu District Administration Office has given the event official authorization. There will be a peaceful demonstration with placards from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a march.
One organizer indicated that the protest doesn’t have a single leader and that about 20 to 25 separate groups are working together. The organizer added, “Everyone is participating voluntarily,” and participants have been told to keep the event organized.
According to remarks made before the gathering, organizers cautioned against infiltration and indicated they would call the police on anyone who was acting out of order. One student organizer added, “We are not ignoring the possibility of unwanted elements trying to derail the movement.” He also said that stewards will remind people to stay nonviolent.
Kulman Ghising, who is in charge of the Ujyaalo Nepal Campaign, publicly supported the protest. Ghising said on social media that Gen Z protesters were reacting to the government’s recent decision to shut down some social networks and that his campaign supports them.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is popularly known as Prachanda, is the chair of the Maoist Center and also spoke out in favor. He said, “The government’s move to limit social media is wrong,” and that protests led by young people against corruption and limits on social media are “natural.” He told the police not to use violence against protestors. Critics pointed out that Dahal was in charge of banning TikTok when he was prime minister, which was a point why the current protest gained strength.
Balendra Shah, the mayor of Kathmandu, said he supports the rally’s goals but will not go. He called the event a spontaneous Gen Z effort for those under 28. Shah told people in a message not to use the gathering for their own political or activist goals. He also invited young Nepalis to say what kind of country they desire.
The people in charge of the demonstration on Monday claimed it would be completely nonviolent and that they would talk about what to do next after the march. They made it clear that any efforts to start fights or take over the rally will be reported and dealt with in cooperation with the police.
People born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s are usually called Gen Z. They are digital natives who use smartphones and social media to talk to each other, get news, and plan things. Most of the people in Nepal are students or those who have just started working and are usually under 28. Their activism is quick, connected, and focused on issues like accountability, free speech, and making real changes.
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