Nepal is in turmoil as angry protesters stormed the nation’s parliament and set the building ablaze, escalating a wave of unrest sparked by the government’s crackdown on social media and deep-rooted anger over corruption.
According to Ekram Giri, spokesman for the Parliament Secretariat, “Hundreds have breached the parliament area and torched the main building,” in what has become the most dramatic escalation of the weeklong protests.
The unrest, which began on Monday, was initially triggered by the government’s ban on 26 popular social media and messaging apps. The move was met with fierce backlash from young Nepalese, who took to the streets in massive “Gen Z” protests across the country. Demonstrators argued that the restrictions not only silenced free expression but also exposed broader frustrations over government corruption, unemployment, and lack of opportunities for the youth.
The protests quickly turned violent, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 200 others injured in clashes with security forces. In response to mounting pressure, the government has since lifted the controversial ban, but the unrest shows no signs of abating.
The crisis has also triggered a political fallout, as several ministers have tendered their resignations, distancing themselves from the embattled administration. Observers warn that the developments could plunge Nepal into deeper political instability unless urgent steps are taken to address the grievances of the people.
