Nepal Gen Z Protests Leave Over 70 Dead Near Parliament

Nepal has witnessed significant political unrest driven by a Gen-Z movement protesting corruption, dynastic politics, and the failures of the established political parties, which are seen as the "old guard" resisting reforms. This youth-led movement dramatically manifested in the 2025 protests that included setting fire to government buildings like the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu, symbolizing a rejection of the neoliberal urban development favored by previous revolutionary leaders. The protests turned violent, resulting in at least 73 deaths and over 2,100 injuries, and led to the fall of the government under ex-prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The upheaval has drawn international and regional attention, with Indian opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi referencing Nepal's Gen-Z activism as a model for political change, though such comparisons have sparked controversy given India's own political dynamics. Filmmaker Deepak Rauniyar reflects on the movement's complex social undercurrents, including ethnic and class tensions, and expresses cautious hope amid ongoing challenges. Overall, Nepal's Gen-Z protests represent a critical moment of youthful defiance against entrenched power structures, demanding justice and systemic change.