Nepal’s powerful Gen Z movement suspended its protests on Wednesday, two days after violent clashes rocked the country. The unrest left 31 people dead and more than 1,033 injured, according to official figures.

The decision to pause demonstrations came soon after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned, bowing to the intense pressure from the streets. The protests, initially sparked by a sweeping social media ban, quickly grew into a broader anti-corruption and anti-establishment movement.

The violence also led to the temporary closure of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which later resumed operations on Wednesday night.

Trigger for the Uprising

The government had blocked 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Officials claimed this move was aimed at fighting misinformation.

However, young protesters saw it as censorship and a direct attack on free speech. The ban fueled growing anger over corruption, economic hardships, and political nepotism, turning digital frustration into nationwide street protests.

Although the ban was quietly lifted late Tuesday, the movement had already spiraled beyond its original cause, becoming one of Nepal’s most significant uprisings in recent years.

Talks With the Army Over Interim Leadership

On Thursday morning, 15 representatives from the Gen Z movement met with army officials at Bhadrakali base to discuss a transitional civilian government.

During the meeting, the youth delegation proposed several names for interim leadership. These included:

• Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice

• Balendra Shah, Kathmandu Mayor

• Onsari Gharti Magar, former Speaker of Parliament

• Om Prakash Aryal, prominent lawyer

• Dr Govinda KC, senior activist and doctor

• Brigadier General Prem Shahi

• Neel Kantha Upreti, former Chief Election Commissioner

According to reports, the army listened to the proposals but no final decision was reached.

Stalemate and Walkout During Talks

The discussions took a dramatic turn when delegate Raksha Bam walked out of the meeting. Bam objected to the army’s suggestion to include businessman Durga Prasai and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the dialogue.

“Since the army chief himself labelled them as stakeholders, we believe this undermines the sacrifices made during the Gen Z movement… therefore, we have rejected the proposal and walked out,” Bam told local reporters.

This walkout stalled negotiations, leaving the country’s future leadership uncertain.

Power Struggle Behind the Scenes

The inclusion of Durga Prasai has become a flashpoint. Prasai has long supported restoring Nepal’s Hindu monarchy and has led rallies calling for dissolving the federal democratic structure.

Meanwhile, the RSP, a centrist party formed in 2022, has been accused by some youth groups of co-opting anti-corruption slogans while secretly defending the political status quo.

Gen Z activists fear that involving these groups would weaken their movement and betray those who died during the protests.

Political Parties Stay Silent

So far, no political party has officially endorsed the protests or called for dissolving parliament.

However, sources suggest backchannel talks are underway between former chief justices and Gen Z representatives to find a peaceful solution.

This leaves the army playing a crucial role in mediating the crisis, although it has publicly stated that it supports civilian-led governance.

What Lies Ahead for Nepal

With protests paused but tensions still high, Nepal faces a delicate moment.

The youth movement has shown its strength, forcing a prime minister’s resignation and challenging long-standing political elites. However, without a clear plan for transition, there is growing fear that instability could return.

Friday’s second round of talks is expected to focus on forming an interim government and preventing further violence.