How U.S.-Born Second-Generation Nepali Americans View Recent Protests in Nepal

The recent protests in Nepal, sparked by a government ban on social media and fueled by deep-seated anger over corruption, have ignited a debate among Nepali-Americans about the country’s future. The protests, which led to the prime minister’s resignation and resulted in at least 30 deaths, have been described by some as a “Gen Z protest” due to the high number of young people involved.

Lokesh Tiwari, a 25-year-old second-generation Nepali American and member of Gen Z, born in Maryland, expressed his dismay at the turn of events. “What began as a peaceful protest quickly turned tragic with the killing of innocent students and young adults,” he said. While he holds no sympathy for the corrupt politicians and leaders, he found the destruction of public property, such as the Singha Durbar and Parliament Building, “deeply disheartening.” He believes this damage has “set Nepal back by more than two decades.”

Tiwari highlighted the economic toll, stating, “Nepal’s two primary sources of income are remittances and tourism.” He noted that tourism had just begun to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic, with signs of growth and optimism. “Investors like myself were starting to view Nepal as a stable and developing nation with tremendous potential for progress,” he said.

Yet, within 24 hours, he feels that progress has unraveled. “Tourists are now hesitant to visit, and will likely remain so in the near future. Investors, myself included, are reluctant to commit capital or send funds for development, knowing that such unrest could erupt again at any time.”

He also placed responsibility on the military. “Responsibility also lies with the Nepal Army. They should have secured the streets immediately following the prime minister’s resignation. Their failure to act swiftly allowed the situation to spiral into chaos.”

Nevin Chhetry, a fellow Nepali-American born in New Jersey, offered a nuanced perspective. “In general, I believe the protest and the movement were much needed and long overdue in order for Nepal to grow as a country and break out of its cycle,” he said.

However, he lamented the lack of organization and clear leadership, which he believes allowed the protests to be co-opted. “It was disheartening to see a protest with a strong message unravel into chaos and anarchy fueled by outside instigators and opportunists.”

He acknowledged the police’s deadly crackdown on students, stating, “Understandably, some of the anger was intensified by the abhorrent killings on September 8 by the police on young unarmed students.” But he emphasized that the destruction of government buildings was counterproductive.

“The burning and looting of so many public government buildings where there were vital documents, data centers, institutional structure for replacements, and country heritage does not bring back the slain nor did it move the needle any further after the PM and other ministers resigned,” he said.

On Tuesday, the violence escalated as protesters defied a curfew to set fire to the parliament building, Singha Durbar, and the residences of political leaders. Protesters stormed Singha Durbar, Nepal’s main administrative center for over 115 years, and set it ablaze, along with nearly all the ministries inside. Protesters also targeted the Supreme Court, the Special Court for Anti-Corruption, political party offices, and media houses.

Amid the chaos, the Nepali Army was forced to rescue several high-profile political figures. President Ram Chandra Paudel was evacuated by a Nepali Army helicopter from his official residence, Sheetal Niwas, after protesters entered the premises. His current location remains undisclosed. KP Sharma Oli has been at an undisclosed location since resigning from the Prime Minister’s post. He was also rescued from the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar by a military helicopter on Tuesday afternoon.

Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, were at their home when protesters broke in, vandalizing and setting the property on fire. While reports indicate the Deubas were taken to a hospital for treatment under security surveillance, their current whereabouts are unknown. Additionally, former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Nepal were rescued from the parliament building after protesters began vandalizing and setting fire to the entrance. They were reportedly taken to a secure military location, but their whereabouts have not been officially confirmed.

To restore peace, the Nepal Army has been deployed across Kathmandu and other parts of the country, assuming control of security operations. The situation began to stabilize after the army took control on Tuesday night, with a curfew in place.

President Ram Chandra Paudel and Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of Army Staff, addressed the nation, urging protesters to suspend their activities and come to the negotiating table. However, uncertainty remains about who will lead the interim government. Some are calling for Kathmandu’s Mayor, Balen Shah, to take the lead, while others suggest former Chief Justice Sushila Karki could lead.

On Wednesday night, Kathmandu’s Mayor, Balen Shah, released a statement in full support of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead a new interim government.

In his social media post, he urged the “Gen-Z and all Nepali people” not to panic and to be patient. “You are now taking a step towards a golden future,” he wrote, adding that a new interim government would be formed to conduct elections. “I have full support for the proposal of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead this interim/election government. I want to respect your wisdom, conscience, and unity from the bottom of my heart.”

He also directly addressed President Paudel, urging him to immediately form an interim government and dissolve parliament “to protect the historical revolution brought by the Gen-Z.”