Kathmandu, October 2025 — Nepal’s police have arrested 18 activists belonging to the youth-led “Gen Z” movement, including leader Dr. Nicholous Bhusal, during a protest staged at Maitighar, Kathmandu.
Why They Were Protesting
The demonstrators had gathered to demand the arrest of former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and ex–Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, whom the Gen Z activists hold responsible for violence against protestors during earlier rallies.
This protest by a faction of Gen Z comes about one month after large demonstrations erupted over government corruption, restrictions on social media, and calls for accountability.
What Happened During the Arrest
- Bhusal and another prominent protester, Surendra Gharti, were among those detained.
- Security was tight around Maitighar ahead of the protest, with riot police deployed in advance to prevent escalation.
- Chants demanding “Arrest Oli!” and “Justice for Gen Z!” echoed through the protest area.
Background: The Gen Z Movement & Earlier Protests
- In early September 2025, massive protests were held by the Gen Z movement over corruption, social media censorship, and broader youth discontent.
- In those protests, police opened fire on crowds in Kathmandu, resulting in dozens of deaths and many injuries. (
- The death toll has been reported variably (19 in some sources) amid reports that up to 76 people were killed across two days of unrest.
- The protesters had also stormed government buildings, including parts of Parliament, and set fire to state offices.
- In response to the earlier unrest, the government lifted a social media ban and announced an inquiry commission led by former justice Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate use of force.
Aftermath & What to Watch
- The arrests come as tensions remain high, with calls for justice and accountability from Gen Z and civil society.
- Legal action: Gen Z activists have filed an FIR (First Information Report) against Oli and Lekhak for alleged responsibility in the crackdown deaths.
- The caretaker government, led by Sushila Karki, has been under pressure to respond to protester demands and the findings of the inquiry commission.
- Further clashes or protests remain possible, especially around court rulings or refusal to act on arrests.
- International attention is rising over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting democratic freedoms and youth voices.
