Katmandu: Nepal plunged deeper into political turmoil this week as violent youth-led protests swept across Kathmandu. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, was chased, kicked, and thrashed by angry demonstrators in the capital, in scenes captured on viral videos. The incident came just a day after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following a deadly crackdown that killed at least 19 people.
❗️Video Reportedly Captures Chase & Attack on Nepal’s Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel – Carried Away By Gen-Z Protesters pic.twitter.com/HhGw8A0bUM
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Finance Minister Chased Through Kathmandu Streets
Videos circulating on social media showed Minister Paudel sprinting through the crowded streets of Kathmandu while scores of protesters pursued him. At one point, a young protester approached from the opposite direction and delivered a flying kick that sent the minister crashing against a wall.
Despite the violent blow, Paudel quickly got back on his feet and continued running as demonstrators hurled abuses. The video ended abruptly, but eyewitnesses confirmed that security forces later escorted the minister to safety.
The shocking footage underscored the intensity of the protests that began earlier this week and have rapidly escalated into one of Nepal’s most serious political crises in years.
Protests Fueled by Social Media Ban and Corruption Anger
The demonstrations first erupted on Monday after the government imposed a sweeping ban on Facebook, YouTube, X, and other social media platforms, citing security concerns. Although access was restored, the move sparked outrage among Nepal’s youth, many of whom belong to Gen Z.
Protesters say their anger is not just about the ban but also about rampant corruption, economic stagnation, and growing inequality. Viral TikTok clips comparing the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children fueled further resentment.
Kathmandu police spokesman Shekhar Khanal told AFP that protesters defied curfew orders in several parts of the city. “There were incidents of arson and attacks in multiple areas,” Khanal said. Authorities acknowledged that enforcing calm has become increasingly difficult.
Prime Minister Oli Resigns After Deadly Crackdown
The unrest forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on Monday night, less than two years into his fourth term. His departure followed a violent government crackdown in which 19 people were killed — one of the deadliest incidents in recent history.
Oli, who had forged a coalition government with the Nepali Congress, faced mounting calls to quit after security forces used tear gas and live ammunition on crowds demanding reforms. His resignation was quickly followed by three other cabinet ministers, leaving the government in crisis.
Despite these resignations, protests have continued. Demonstrators argue that change in leadership is not enough unless systemic reforms are introduced to curb corruption and address unemployment.
Youth Anger Driving the Movement
Observers say the protests mark a new phase in Nepal’s politics, with young people taking center stage. The country of 30 million is experiencing a demographic shift, with Gen Z increasingly demanding accountability from political leaders.
Many protesters describe themselves as “frustrated dreamers” who feel betrayed by decades of corruption and political instability. Analysts suggest that the youth-led movement could reshape Nepal’s political landscape, much like pro-democracy protests in neighboring countries in the past.
Although TikTok remained accessible during the ban, other platforms were blocked, inadvertently intensifying youth frustration. Protesters used creative ways to bypass restrictions, including VPNs, to share videos of the demonstrations globally.
What Lies Ahead for Nepal?
Nepal’s immediate future remains uncertain. With the Prime Minister gone and cabinet resignations piling up, the country faces a political vacuum. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could weaken institutions and deter much-needed investment in the fragile Himalayan economy.
International observers, including rights groups, have urged restraint. They called on Nepal’s leaders to engage in dialogue with the protesters rather than rely on crackdowns.
For now, Finance Minister Paudel’s dramatic escape through Kathmandu streets has become a symbol of the widening gap between Nepal’s rulers and its restless youth.