Young Nepali academic speaks to Harici: ‘The algorithms guiding the protests may be manipulated’

The South Asian country of Nepal, with a population of 30 million, located at the foothills of the Himalayas and governed by communist parties, is at the center of global attention. Mass protests, largely led by young people, have toppled the prime minister and set palaces on fire, signaling a search for a new path. Discussions around a transitional government led by the military are filled with uncertainties. Among the protesters, who identify themselves as “Generation Z,” there is no consensus: some advocate for reform within the communist parties, while others call for a return to monarchy. Their common demands, however, are an end to corruption and nepotism. In Nepal—one of the countries caught in the midst of the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S., China, and India—the question of whether the protests are being fueled by “foreign powers” is also a topic in the international press.

We discussed all of this and the latest situation in the country with Puja Silwal, a Nepali lawyer and assistant professor at Kathmandu School of Law.

Could you summarize exactly what is happening in Nepal? What is the current situation right now?

The two-day protest came to an end on 9 September. It began on 8 September and intensified after the deaths of 20 young people. Various videos circulated showing the state’s cruelty toward students. The killing of these innocent youths fueled the strike, which continued into 9 September.

From 10 September, the Nepal Army took control. The army is now playing a key role in negotiating with Gen Z, who led the protest. On 9 September, Gen Z members on Discord voted for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who will likely take the lead in forming an interim government.

What sparked the protests? Did they just begin? What are the reasons behind them? What are the demands of young people?

A sudden flow of videos with the hashtag “Nepo Kids” began circulating on social media. TikTok videos showing the lifestyle of ministers’ sons and daughters wearing luxury goods sparked the protest. These videos gained attention, and youths started sharing photos and lifestyle posts of high-level ministers’ children from their own Instagram feeds, which angered the public. Comparisons with poor Nepalis were also highlighted, showing that some officials were misusing power while ordinary people lived below minimum standards. The movement initially drew attention with the link of Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada and her father, who was a minister for the UPN.

Random messages calling for protests against corruption began circulating on 8 September. From 7 September onwards, additional government regulations to ban social media further drew attention to TikTok, which was still accessible at the time. The sudden government bans, combined with these videos, fueled youth anger.

The protest was peaceful at the beginning. Youths were urged to come in college uniforms as Gen Z believed it would prevent harsh government responses. However, the situation quickly escalated. After 2–3 pm, reports emerged of students being shot, and the Chief Administrative Office issued a curfew. Things worsened during the night as videos of police shooting youths and attacking hospitals circulated.

The youth wanted to end corruption. The peaceful protest aimed for change, but autocratic government actions and the deaths of more than 20 young people sparked mass anger. The protest escalated into a mob, burning the houses of ministers and even the Prime Minister, continuing throughout 9 September. Despite the curfew, the situation deteriorated so much that the Prime Minister had to flee Nepal, and the former Prime Minister was attacked.

Who is leading the protests? Which groups or classes are involved? Do these protests have any connection to the previous pro-monarchy demonstrations?

We are not sure of the protest having connection to pro-monarch demonstration. What we know is Gen Z claimed that mob was not doneby them alone, it has imposters.

The age group from 14 to 28 was involved. It was led by Gen Z, but the movement expanded after the deaths of young people. Their families joined in, and many other groups took advantage of the mob. 

Do you think there is a foreign element playing a role in these protests? For example, do you believe powerful actors such as the US, India, or China are influencing the situation?

What I feel is that algorithms played a key role. Videos about “nepo kids” were all over my TikTok. To an extent, it even made me angry—but now I realize it may have been the algorithm that influenced me and many other young people. I am not sure if it was intentional manipulation or not, but powerful forces creating instability in Nepal could benefit other countries.

Many Gen Z figures who now claim to be leaders are seen involved with INGOs and NGOs funded by the US. This raises doubts. We are unsure about the situation and need to assess more carefully the possible involvement of foreign powers.

Creating disharmony in Nepal makes it easier for the USA to watch both growing economies India and China from a safer position.

What mistakes did the government make that led to this point?

Prime Minister KP Oli was ignorant of the fact that the youth were angry. He never thought this could ever happen. Nepal’s system was failing, as the youth saw only a few old leaders chasing after the chair of the Prime Minister instead of genuinely fighting against corruption. They were playing a political game of who would be the next Prime Minister, rather than addressing the real issues.

The government also attempted to control social media and amend laws in their favor. This became an added push factor, while the youth were silently watching and growing increasingly frustrated.

What role is the army playing in the protests and in the period ahead? What kind of transitional government will be formed? Are there any prominent names? What role will the communist parties have?

The army is trying to mitigate the situation. They are standing with Gen Z and other stakeholders.
Since Gen Z has no clear leader and no exact number of representatives, clashes have arisen among themselves. They have not yet overthrown the constitution, which means the President is still in power and the Nepal Army remains under the President .

Gen Z has put forward the name of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, though she is not eligible to lead. Many claim her ties to the Nepali Congress, as her husband is also from the same party. However, because of her outspoken courage, Gen Z chose to raise her name.

Balen, the Mayor of Kathmandu, does not want to lead the interim government. He has expressed (through his tweet) that he wants to become Prime Minister only after the elections.

People are also dissatisfied with the Communist Party. The lavish lifestyle of the granddaughter of Communist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal was recently exposed. A mob destroyed the house of Dahal’s daughter, who was the Mayor of Bharatpur.

Public trust in the Communists has declined, and if the crisis is not properly managed, further revolts could break out. The situation in Nepal may worsen under these conditions.

Is there anything important we missed that you would like to add?

This movement began as a peaceful protest against corruption but turned into the removal of the Prime Minister. It is historic. We are waiting to see what our people can unfold. We saw opportunistic youth taking advantage of the anger—some were robbing and burning down factories and houses belonging to business leaders. Leaders were hiding bundles of money inside their homes; we saw what corrupt leaders are capable of. This is history. We will rise again with a fresh start..