September 11, 2025 | 02:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Days of youth-led demonstrations in Nepal have forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The Gen Z–driven protests, which erupted after the government banned social media platforms, descended into riots marked by the burning of government buildings.
At least 30 people were killed and hundreds injured in violent clashes with police.
At the center of the movement is Sudan Gurung, a 38-year-old philanthropist and president of Hami Nepal, a youth-driven NGO.
Who Is Sudan Gurung?
Gurung, widely believed to be one of the key figures behind the protests, has spent nearly a decade mobilizing resources for communities hit by disasters.
According to Nepalese media reports cited by NDTV, Gurung transformed into an activist after losing a child during the devastating 2015 earthquake.
“A child died in my arms. I'll never forget that moment,” he said at the time. The tragedy spurred him to establish Hami Nepal, which now has more than 1,600 members and works in earthquake rehabilitation, flood relief, and emergency response.
Before this, Gurung had worked as an events manager, living a lifestyle centered around clubs and parties. His personal loss redirected his path toward humanitarian work.
What is Sudan Gurung's Role in the Gen Z Protests in Nepal?
Sudan Gurung, through his NGO Hami Nepal, has been at the forefront of mobilizing young people in the nationwide demonstrations. He and his organization initially called for peaceful rallies to oppose the government’s controversial social media ban.
Public anger, already simmering over Prime Minister Sharma Oli’s leadership and months of calls for a return to the monarchy, erupted after the government formally blocked social media on September 4. The move intensified protests, which forced the government to revoke the ban just days later.
Ahead of the demonstrations, Hami Nepal used Instagram and Discord to rally supporters, urging them to gather at Maitighar Mandala on September 8, 2025. The group even circulated “how to protest” videos, advising students to show up in school uniforms with books and bags in hand.
Protesters’ Demands
Demonstrators are demanding the end of corruption and greater accountability from political leaders. Many view the social media blackout as part of broader efforts to suppress free speech.
“We want to end corruption in Nepal,” 19-year-old student Binu KC told BBC Nepali. “Leaders only promise one thing during elections but never fulfill it. They are the cause of so many problems.” He added that the ban had disrupted education by cutting access to online learning resources.
Content creator Subhana Budhathoki echoed this frustration: “Gen Z will not stop now. This protest is not just about social media, it’s about silencing our voices, and we will not allow that to happen.”
Nepal’s Military Steps In
With Oli stepping down, the Nepalese army has taken control of the capital Kathmandu to restore order amid the worst violence in two decades.
Tanks and armored vehicles now patrol the streets, passing the wreckage of burned cars and government offices. Police also reported that more than 13,500 inmates escaped from prisons nationwide during the chaos.
The Ministry of Health said Wednesday that, in addition to the 30 fatalities, 1,033 people were injured in the nationwide unrest.
Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel has met with representatives of the protesters and other stakeholders to discuss the way forward.
Editor’s Choice: Ex-Nepal PM's Wife Survives After Being Set on Fire by Protesters
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
KontraS Update: Three Protesters Still Missing After August Demonstrations
1 jam lalu
As of Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 20:00 WIB, KontraS said the state has yet to return them.
Ex-Nepal PM's Wife Survives After Being Set on Fire by Protesters
2 jam lalu
Former PM Nepal's wife was attacked by demonstrators at her home. She is being treated at a hospital and her condition is improving despite suffering from burns.
Protests in France Turn into Riots as Police Clash with Protesters
4 jam lalu
The riot police finally clashed with protesters in Paris, France. The demonstrators took to the streets in response to the call to "Block Everything."
Nepal Airport Reopens After Protests Closure
6 jam lalu
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal, was temporarily closed following increased demonstrations in the capital.
British Public Calls for Arrest of Israeli President on London Arrival
14 jam lalu
Thousands of people gathered in London to protest the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog and demand his immediate arrest upon arrival in the UK.
TAUD Urges Prabowo to Dismiss Indonesian Police Chief over Protest Handling
17 jam lalu
The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) demands President Prabowo Subianto to dismiss National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo due to procedural errors in handling the demonstrations.
Today's Top 3 News: Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Bali's Denpasar and Jembrana
17 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
27 Arrested as Nepal's Gen Z Protests Escalate into Violence
19 jam lalu
Nepalese Army arrests 27 people involved in looting, arson, and vandalism in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur amidst Gen Z protests.
Advocacy Group Records 23 Cases of Violence Against Journalists in August Protests
19 jam lalu
A total of 23 cases of violence against journalists occurred in various regions of Indonesia during the August 2025 demonstrations, with the highest number of cases reported in Jambi.
Nepal Unrest: How Indonesian Gov't Ensures the Safety of Its Citizens
19 jam lalu
Dozens of Indonesian citizens are currently in Nepal, including 23 tourists. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed the latest condition of Indonesian citizens in Nepal.
