Nepal is in the grip of its worst political crisis in years after massive youth-led demonstrations shook the country, forcing the collapse of the government and bringing the Army onto the streets.&nbsp;
By Thursday, the capital Kathmandu resembled a city under siege. Armored vehicles rolled in overnight, enforcing strict curfews and ordering residents indoors. The sweeping military presence followed two days of violent clashes that left 25 people dead and more than 600 injured, according to officials.&nbsp;
The protests, driven by Nepal&rsquo;s so called &ldquo;Gen-Z movement,&rdquo; erupted earlier this week after the government briefly banned social media platforms. What began as digital outrage quickly spilled onto the streets, with thousands of young protesters clashing with police. On Tuesday, mobs set fire to government buildings, prompting a fierce crackdown in which officers opened fire.&nbsp;
In a dramatic turn, authorities confirmed that 13,000 prisoners were released from jails across all 77 districts during the mayhem, deepening the sense of chaos.
<h3 data-start="1882" data-end="1908">Who Leads Nepal Now?</h3>
Amid the turmoil, talks have begun over a transitional authority. Protest representatives met senior military commanders in Kathmandu on Wednesday, discussing possible interim leadership. Some groups are rallying behind Sushila Karki, Nepal&rsquo;s former chief justice, seen by many as a credible figure to steer the country through the storm.
Kathmandu&rsquo;s outspoken mayor, Balen Shah, a 35 year old rapper turned engineer who commands strong support among the youth urged restraint.
&ldquo;Be patient. An interim government is coming,&rdquo; Shah appealed, asking demonstrators to avoid further bloodshed.
<h3 data-start="2519" data-end="2549">A Nation at a Crossroads</h3>
The protests mark a generational shift in Nepalese politics. Young citizens, frustrated with corruption and stagnation, are at the center of the uprising. The Army&rsquo;s takeover, however, has raised fears of prolonged instability in the fragile Himalayan nation.
As curfews stretch across Nepal, the streets are tense and uncertain. With leadership in limbo and the people restless, the question remains: can Nepal&rsquo;s Gen-Z protesters turn their anger into lasting political change or will the Army tighten its grip on power?

Violence, curfews, and Army takeover as youth-led protests sweep Himalayan nation

Nepal Erupts: Gen-Z Protests Topple Government

Violence, curfews, and Army takeover as youth-led protests sweep Himalayan nation

September 11, 2025 | 16:16 IST