At least 19 people have died and over 100 injured in Nepal’s worst unrest in decades following a controversial social media ban and growing anger against the so-called “Nepo Kids”.
The protests have already witnessed tens of thousands of students and young demonstrators rally in Kathmandu and other cities. The trigger was initially sparked by the government’s decision to block major platforms including Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.
But within days, hashtags such as #NepoKids, #NepoBaby and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal began trending online, turning the demonstrations into a broader expression of generational frustration.
The protesters, mostly youth, are expressing anger at children of elite politicians for flaunting their wealth and privilege while ordinary people face joblessness and hardship.
Over the last few days, videos and posts mocking the lifestyles of political elites’ children flooded TikTok and Reddit, fueling anger on the streets.
“The leaders’ children return from abroad with Gucci bags, the people’s children in coffins,” read one placard carried by a protester, according to India Today.
On Reddit’s Nepal forum, another user wrote: “Children of elite politicians know exactly where their parents’ money and luxury come from—taxpayers like you and me. While we struggle, they live in utter privilege. Start listing their social media accounts and archiving their content to hold them accountable and prevent them from erasing the evidence.”
Demonstrators said the frustration was not only about censorship but also about the inequality symbolised by these so-called “nepo kids.”
“Nepo kids” is a term for the children of powerful or wealthy figures who get opportunities or privileges because of their family connections rather than merit.
Political families under scrutiny
Those singled out by protesters online included the families of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
Demonstrators accused these leaders of living lavishly while young Nepalis endure unemployment, low wages and widespread corruption.
According to official figures cited by Reuters, Nepal’s youth unemployment rate stood at 19.2% among those aged 15–29.
“All the Nepali citizens are fed up (with) corruption. Every youth (is) going outside the country. So, we want to protect our youth and make the country’s economy better,” a protester told Reuters.
Young protesters, many in school and college uniforms, have been clashing with police outside Parliament carrying placards that read: “Shut down corruption and not social media” and “Youths against corruption.”
Deadly protests
The Himalayan nation has been witnessing widespread, youth-led protests after the government imposed, and later lifted, a ban on 26 social media platforms as part of a crackdown on online dissent and alleged non-compliance.
The protests have prompted the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak as well as Ramnath Adhikari resigns. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also faces mounting resignation demands but remains defiant.
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