Protests led by Generation Z in Nepal have escalated into a national crisis, with violent clashes resulting in at least 19 fatalities and the resignation of key political figures, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The demonstrations, which initially protested a government-imposed ban on unregistered social media platforms, quickly expanded into broader anti-corruption rallies and calls for political reform.

The youth-driven movement saw thousands of protesters, predominantly students and young professionals, take to the streets in major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bharatpur. Their demands were clear: an end to government corruption and the immediate lifting of social media restrictions. The response from the authorities was severe, with police deploying water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and in some instances, live ammunition against the demonstrators.

The violence peaked on Monday, with hospitals reporting an overwhelming number of casualties, mostly from gunshot wounds. The Kathmandu District Administration imposed curfews around critical government buildings and extended these to several districts in an attempt to quell the unrest.

The political fallout was swift and significant. Prime Minister Oli stepped down from his position on Tuesday, followed closely by the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who cited moral responsibility for the excessive use of force. Additionally, the house of the Minister for Communication and Information Technology was set ablaze by protesters, underscoring the intensity of public anger.

In a late-night emergency meeting on Monday, the government decided to repeal the controversial social media ban. This decision came in response to the massive public outcry and the urgent need to restore peace. International bodies, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have condemned the violence and called for an independent investigation into the use of lethal force by Nepali authorities.

These protests mark a significant moment in Nepal's political landscape, driven by a generation increasingly frustrated with traditional governance and the lack of opportunities. The government’s initial attempt to curb free speech through the social media ban only ignited a stronger pushback from a demographic that is globally connected and acutely aware of its rights.

Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission has reminded both protesters and security forces to exercise restraint and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. As the country moves forward from these events, the global community watches closely, hoping that Nepal can navigate its way to a more inclusive and transparent governance structure.