Key Points

Nepal is experiencing its most significant political crisis in years with widespread Gen Z protests turning violent. President Paudel has called for restraint and dialogue following Prime Minister Oli's resignation acceptance. The demonstrations began after the government banned major social media platforms, which protesters viewed as suppressing free speech. Curfews have been imposed across multiple cities while the Indian Embassy has advised against travel to Nepal due to the unstable situation.

Key Points: Nepal President Paudel Urges Peace After PM Oli Resigns Amid Gen Z Protests

  • At least 19 killed and 500 injured in violent clashes with security forces
  • Protesters stormed parliament building and presidential office demanding government accountability
  • Social media ban on Facebook and WhatsApp sparked nationwide demonstrations
  • Indian Embassy issues travel advisory and emergency contacts for citizens in Nepal
3 min read

Gen Z Protest: Nepal President Paudel urges restraint, dialogue following PM's resignation

President Paudel calls for dialogue as Nepal faces violent Gen Z protests with 19 dead. Curfews imposed and Indian Embassy issues travel advisory amid escalating crisis.

"I urge all sides to remain calm, prevent further harm to the nation, and come to the table for talks. - President Ram Chandra Paudel"

New Delhi, September 9

Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday called on protesting citizens to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Gen Z movement through dialogue, The Himalayan Times reported.

President Paudel emphasised that with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation already accepted, the nation must focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction, The Himalayan Times reported, citing an official statement from the President.

"I urge all sides to remain calm, prevent further harm to the nation, and come to the table for talks. In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation," he said.

The appeal comes after days of violent demonstrations that left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured when security forces opened fire on protesters outside the Federal Parliament.

Demonstrators later stormed key government institutions, including the parliament building and the Office of the President at Shital Niwas.

Nepali Army had also issued a public request urging citizens, especially the youth, to exercise restraint and safeguard the nation's historical and cultural heritage, The Himalayan Times reported.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office in Dang has imposed a curfew in major market areas on Tuesday in view of the violent protest across the nation, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Chief District Officer Bishwa Prakash Aryal informed that the order was issued after protests turned violent, leading to arson and vandalism of public property, government offices and private assets.

The curfew bans movement gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, meetings and sit-ins in an attempt to neutralise the protests, the Kathmandu post reported.

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued an advisory for all Indian nationals in Nepal to "defer travel" there until the situation has stabilised. The India embassy also provides emergency contact numbers for those facing any urgent situation or requiring assistance.

In addition to the helpline number, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also issued an email for assistance.

https://x.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1965420527486673272

Over the past two days, these Gen Z demonstrations have escalated sharply, resulting in at least 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries in clashes around the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu.

The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.

Protesters are demanding an end to institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes. The protesters are also demanding the revocation of the ban on social media platforms, which they see as an attempt to suppress free speech.

A curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation. The government imposed a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing concerns over misinformation and the need for regulatory compliance. Citizens saw this as an attack on free speech and a way to suppress dissent.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Banning social media is never the solution! Governments should understand that in 2025, you can't suppress voices by shutting down platforms. This only makes people angrier.
A
Aman W
As an Indian, I'm concerned about the stability in our neighborhood. Nepal's peace is important for regional security. Hope the Indian embassy's advisory helps our citizens stay safe.
S
Sarah B
The youth in Nepal are showing incredible courage. Fighting corruption and demanding transparency is exactly what every democracy needs. But storming government buildings crosses a line - peaceful protest is more effective.
V
Vikram M
19 deaths is heartbreaking. Security forces should exercise maximum restraint. No political issue is worth losing young lives over. The President's call for dialogue is the right approach.
K
Karthik V
While I support the protesters' demands, destroying public property hurts the common people the most. There are better ways to make your voice heard without damaging the nation's infrastructure.
M
Michael C
This shows how quickly things can escalate when governments try to control information flow. Social media bans in the name of "cybersecurity" often mask attempts to suppress dissent. Hope Nepal finds a peaceful resolution soon.

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