Nepal Protests: Youth Demand Change
Introduction
In Nepal, recent protests over government corruption and a ban on social media apps have turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people and injuries to hundreds more. The demonstrations were primarily led by young people, who are frustrated with the lack of accountability and transparency in the government, as well as the restrictions on their ability to communicate through platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.
Main Causes of Anger
The root of the anger among Nepalese youth is the rampant corruption in their government. In 2019, Nepal was ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International. On top of that, the ban on social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook has only added to the frustration of the already marginalized youth population. The government claims the ban is necessary for security reasons, but many see it as an attempt to suppress dissent and control the flow of information.
The Future of Nepalese Protests
The recent protests have shown the power of young people to mobilize and demand change. However, the government's response has been heavy-handed, with reports of excessive force being used against protesters. This has only fueled the anger and determination of the youth to continue fighting for their rights. The social media ban has also brought attention to the importance of online platforms in modern-day protests and the potential for governments to use it as a tool for censorship.
