What Sparked Nepal’s Gen Z Protest?—India on High Alert

Nepal is experiencing intense youth-led protests against a government-imposed social media ban, resulting in 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries The government has responded with curfews, army deployment, and barricades, but demonstrations continue to grow.

The ban affects 26 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, cutting off vital digital livelihoods and freedom of expression for Nepal's Gen Z, prompting a significant generational protest

Social media is crucial for jobs, small businesses, and activism in Nepal, and its sudden ban has disrupted the digital economy, fueling anger and unrest among the youth, who view it as a matter of dignity and justice

The protests reflect a broader trend in South Asia, where youth-led movements challenge entrenched elites Analysts warn these uprisings, while rooted in genuine grievances, can be influenced by foreign interests and internal political agendas.

India has heightened security along its 1,751 km border with Nepal due to concerns of potential refugee influx and trade disruptions, particularly affecting the Birgunj-Raxaul corridor, which handles a significant portion of Nepal's trade with India

The open border between India and Nepal, once a symbol of cultural kinship, now poses a risk of becoming a humanitarian corridor if violence persists, potentially straining governance in Indian border districts

China has remained silent during the crisis, possibly positioning itself to gain influence in Nepal by offering scholarships, digital platforms, and tech investments to the youth, challenging India's historical cultural ties with Nepal

The situation in Nepal highlights the power and fragility of digitally mobilized youth movements in South Asia, which can topple leaders but often struggle to ensure stability

For India, the crisis presents immediate challenges, including potential refugee issues, trade disruptions, and the risk of losing influence with Nepal's Gen Z if perceived as backing the Oli regime

The unrest in Nepal underscores the need for governments and regional partners to respond with empathy and a commitment to stability, as the digitally native generation increasingly shapes the political future of South Asia