Nepal's youth uprising explained: Decades of corruption reach a tipping point
15 days ago
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- Police shot into a crowd of student demonstrators in Kathmandu, killing at least 19 people.
- Protests against a social media ban revealed deeper frustrations about instability and corruption.
- Nepal's history includes autocratic rule under the Rana dynasty and the Panchayat system.
- The 1990 People’s Movement led to the restoration of multiparty democracy.
- Political instability and the Maoist insurgency left over 17,000 dead by the early 2000s.
- The 2001 royal massacre led to King Gyanendra's rule and eventual ousting in 2006.
- Nepal became a federal democratic republic in 2008, but political corruption persisted.
- The 2015 constitution aimed for inclusion but faced criticism from marginalized groups.
- By 2024, economic struggles and youth unemployment fueled discontent.
- Student-led protests in 2025 were met with violent crackdowns, leading to resignations and interim leadership.
- Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki pledged accountability and elections by 2026.
- Nepal's history shows cycles of revolution and stagnation, with students often driving change.