1. Introduction
Nepal, a mysterious country located at the southern foot of the Himalayas, is like a pearl embedded near the roof of the world, with unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. However, recently it has been deeply embroiled in the vortex of riots. The streets of Kathmandu, the capital, are intertwined with the cries of protest and the smoke of conflict, like a nightmare enveloping the city. A storm sweeping across the country is revealing many hidden problems in this country, from economic hardship to political corruption, from social contradictions to public despair. Each problem is like a ticking time bomb, erupting at this moment and causing widespread attention both domestically and internationally. The international community’s attention is focused on this, and people are exploring the root causes of the country’s turmoil and its future direction.
2、 The outbreak and process of riots
In September 2025, many parts of Nepal were like ignited powder kegs, and large-scale protests erupted like surging waves. In the capital city of Kathmandu, tens of thousands of protesters gathered like a tide, holding up slogans such as “Oppose Corruption” and “Ban Social Media”. These slogans were like shouts in their hearts, a vent for their pent up emotions. The protesters were emotionally charged as they broke through the roadblocks and barbed wire set up by the police. The scene was like surging waves hitting the dam, attempting to break into the parliament building and engaging in intense clashes with the police. In order to control the situation, the police used high-pressure water guns, rubber bullets, tear gas, and even fired live ammunition, turning the entire street into a battlefield. The protest quickly escalated into the most serious riot in decades, with tension and fear permeating the streets and alleys for several consecutive days. According to official reports, the recent clashes have resulted in multiple deaths and over 300 injuries, including many police officers. Behind every casualty number lies a broken family and countless sorrows.
Recently, there have been new reports of riots. In some remote areas, protests are also showing a trend of spreading. Local residents joined the protest team one after another, blocking roads, burning tires, and expressing stronger dissatisfaction with the government. In some areas of intense conflict, there have even been confrontations between armed militants and police, making the situation of riots more complex and dangerous. International media have reported on the unrest in Nepal, with chaotic streets, injured crowds, and burning buildings in the footage shocking the whole world.
3、 The underlying reasons behind the riots
Economic dilemma: Nepal is a relatively underdeveloped country, like a worn-out ship struggling to navigate the ocean of economic development. Per capita GDP is relatively low, and economic development is slow, as if bound by constraints. The youth unemployment rate of up to 35% is like a heavy shackle, pressing young people out of breath. A large number of young people feel hopeless about the future, struggling as if in a dark abyss, unable to find a way out. They are facing difficulties in employment and enormous life pressure, worrying about their livelihood every day. Many families are unable to make ends meet, and their basic living needs are difficult to satisfy. People are extremely disappointed with the government’s economic policies.
The problem of corruption is serious: Corruption in Nepal is very common, like a tumor that corrodes the body of the country. It involves multiple fields such as public works and reconstruction, education system, foreign investment utilization, government procurement, and daily life. For example, in the “Ghost School” case, as many as 300 schools funded by the Ministry of Education only exist on paper, deceiving government funding. This comprehensive corruption has caused the public to lose trust in the government. In the field of public works, a large amount of funds are embezzled, leading to lagging infrastructure construction, dilapidated roads, and unstable water and electricity supply. In the education system, corruption leads to unequal distribution of educational resources, and children in impoverished areas are unable to receive good education. This corruption phenomenon is like a thick haze that covers the entire country, making people unable to see hope and becoming one of the core demands of this riot.
The trigger for the social media ban: Nepalese authorities blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and video website YouTube, citing incomplete registration. For Nepal, where young people make up a high proportion of the population, social media is an important channel for them to communicate, obtain information, and express their opinions, like a window to the outside world. This ban immediately sparked strong dissatisfaction among young people, who felt their voices were suppressed and their freedom was deprived. This became the direct trigger for the protests and quickly expanded them from opposing social media bans to broader political demands. Young people took to the streets one after another, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government through their actions. They shouted slogans such as “We want freedom” and “We want change”, and their voices echoed throughout the city.
4、 Reactions and response measures from all parties
On the government side: Faced with the escalating violent conflict, the Nepalese government is like a ship struggling in a storm, trying to take a series of measures to stabilize the situation. Firstly, the government announced the lifting of the ban on social media platforms in an attempt to calm the anger of protesters. This move was like throwing a stone in the surging waves, hoping to temporarily calm the waves, but this concession did not work. Subsequently, Prime Minister Khadgar Prasad Sharma Oli announced his resignation, stating that this move was aimed at “paving the way” for resolving the crisis. This decision is like dropping a bombshell in a chaotic situation, attracting widespread attention both domestically and internationally. In addition, officials such as Interior Minister Ramesh Likak have also submitted their resignations. At the same time, the government deployed troops to the capital Kathmandu and other places to maintain social order. The appearance of the military was like a strong defense line, trying to prevent the further spread of riots.
International community: The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has continuously issued security reminders, which sound like a warm harbor calling on Chinese citizens and institutions in Nepal to closely monitor changes in the local situation, strengthen security precautions, avoid going out as much as possible, stay away from political rallies and demonstration areas, and conduct risk assessments. UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Hana Singh, is like an impartial mediator, calling on the Nepalese authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and adhere to the basic principles of the use of force. Her voice represents the international community’s concern and worries about the situation in Nepal. In addition, with the escalation of violent conflicts, domestic flights in Nepal have been suspended, and Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and Pokhara International Airport have suspended operations, like severed wings, unable to connect with the outside world. The international community has also expressed concern about the situation in Nepal and called on all parties to exercise restraint, resolve issues through dialogue, and work together for peace and stability in Nepal.
Voice of the People: In riots, the voice of the people is the strongest. A young protester said, “We are fed up with the corruption and incompetence of the government. Our lives have no hope, and we can only express our dissatisfaction through protests. They long for a just, fair, and prosperous society, a country that can make their lives better.
5、 The impact of riots on Nepal
Social disorder: The riots have severely disrupted Nepal’s social order, with violent acts such as smashing and looting occurring on the streets, like a group of wild beasts wreaking havoc. Government buildings were burned down, and the raging flames seemed to be a vent of anger in the hearts of the people, but they also brought huge losses to the country. The safety of people’s lives and property is threatened, and normal social life and production activities are greatly affected. Shops are closed, schools are suspended, and the entire society seems to be in a state of paralysis.
Serious economic losses: Protests and conflicts have impacted Nepal’s commercial activities, and pillar industries such as tourism have been severely affected. Nepal used to attract a large number of tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and unique culture, but now tourists are fleeing one after another, and the tourism industry is like a sunken ship, losing its former vitality. In addition, the destruction of infrastructure and the reduction of investment will also have long-term negative impacts on Nepal’s economic development. Factories have shut down, businesses have gone bankrupt, unemployment rates have further increased, and the country’s economy has fallen into a deep predicament.
Political instability: The resignation of the Prime Minister and several officials has made Nepal’s political situation even more unstable, challenging the government’s authority like a crumbling building. The future political direction is full of uncertainty, and the contradictions and struggles between various political factions may further intensify. Meanwhile, riots may also exacerbate domestic political divisions and social conflicts, further affecting the political stability of the country. People are worried that the country will fall into long-term turmoil and chaos, unable to achieve development and progress.
6、 Future prospects and challenges
Although the riots in Nepal to some extent reflect the dissatisfaction and demands of the people towards the government, there are still many challenges to achieving long-term stability and development of the country.
Economic Reform and Development: The government needs to take effective measures to promote economic development, just like a wise helmsman, leading the ship of the national economy to the prosperous shore. Improving people’s living standards, especially addressing the issue of youth unemployment. Increase investment in infrastructure construction, improve transportation, water and electricity infrastructure conditions, and create a favorable environment for economic development. Attract foreign investment, promote industrial upgrading, create more job opportunities, give young people hope, and enable them to work hard for their future.
Deepening the anti-corruption struggle: Strengthening anti-corruption efforts, establishing more comprehensive supervision mechanisms, like a sharp sword, cutting off the root of corruption. Crack down on corrupt practices and restore public trust in the government. At the same time, we should enhance the transparency and credibility of the government, strengthen communication and cooperation with all sectors of society, and involve the people in the construction of the country to jointly supervise the government’s actions.
Political stability and reconciliation: All political factions need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to jointly promote the political stability and development of the country. Like a group of like-minded partners, working together to achieve national prosperity. Through political reform, establish a more just and reasonable political system, meet the political demands of the people, and achieve long-term stability of the country. Enable the people to live and develop in a stable political environment.
The support and cooperation of the international community: Nepal needs to actively seek the support and cooperation of the international community, just like a ship sailing in the vast sea, which needs the help and guidance of other ships. Utilize external resources and experience to promote the economic reconstruction and social development of the country. At the same time, strengthen friendly relations with neighboring countries and jointly maintain regional peace and stability. The international community should also give Nepal more attention and support to help it overcome difficulties and achieve national prosperity and development.
VII. Conclusion
The riots in Nepal are a complex social crisis that reflects both public dissatisfaction with economic difficulties, corruption, and government policies, as well as the many challenges Nepal faces in political, economic, and social development. This riot is like a mirror, reflecting the various problems in Nepalese society and showing people the courage and determination of the Nepalese people. To solve these problems, it requires joint efforts from the government, various sectors of society, and the international community. Only through in-depth economic reforms, resolute anti-corruption struggle, active political reconciliation, and extensive international cooperation can Nepal overcome its difficulties and achieve national stability and development. Let this beautiful Himalayan country regain its vitality and become a shining pearl in the world. The people of Nepal are looking forward to that day, believing that as long as everyone works together and works hard, Nepal’s future will definitely be better.
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