Kathmandu, the capital of
Nepal, known for its rich culture, temples and historical heritage, became the
center of an unprecedented political crisis and youth movement in September
2025. Situated at an altitude of 1300 meters, the city is famous for UNESCO
World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and
Swayambhunath, but this month history was seen burning in the fire of politics
here.On 8 September 2025, the anger
of the youth erupted on the streets after the Nepal government banned social
media platforms—Facebook, X, YouTube and 26 other social media. The government
justified this decision under the new rules of the Ministry of Information and
Communication Technology, but the public and critics considered it an attempt
to suppress the ongoing campaign against corruption and nepotism.Thousands of youth and
students took to the streets of Kathmandu. The protesters raised their voice
not only on the social media ban but also on issues like government corruption,
lack of accountability and unemployment. The movement was named "Jenji
Protest" because the youth and students played the main role in it.The situation worsened when
the protesters marched towards the Parliament House and tried to enter it.
Security forces used tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and even bullets.
During this, at least 22 people died and more than 400 people were injured.
Seeing the situation going out of control, curfew was imposed and the
administration issued orders to shoot at sight.The movement became more
violent on 9 September. The protesters surrounded the residence of President
Ram Chandra Paudel and the Parliament House. The mob set fire to the Parliament
House, which caused a sensation across the country. Due to heavy pressure,
Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and many ministers resigned. President Paudel
also resigned. This development pushed Nepal's already unstable politics into a
deeper crisis. It is noteworthy that since the end of the monarchy in 2008,
Nepal has seen 14 prime ministers change in 17 years. This was the reason why
the demand for the return of the monarchy also started rising amid this
movement.On 10 and 11 September,
Kathmandu remained surrounded by tension. Flights at Tribhuvan International
Airport were canceled due to violence and demonstrations. According to official
figures, 19 people died and more than 347 were injured in these two days, while
unofficial estimates indicate more than 422 injured. The government eventually
lifted the ban on social media, but by then the situation was far from normal.There were many deep reasons
behind the Jenji movement. The first reason was the ban on social media, which
the youth considered an attack on their freedom of expression. The second
reason was the long-standing anger against corruption and nepotism. The third
reason was economic challenges and unemployment, which disappointed the youth.
The fourth major factor was political instability, as frequent changes of
governments had led to public distrust in the system. Apart from this, recent
youth movements in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka inspired
the Nepali youth. Not only this, the use of global pop culture symbols like One
Piece appeared to give this movement an international color. This movement
raised many questions. Will Nepal now move towards a new political era, where
the youth leadership will take over the reins of power, or will the traditional
parties and the old system regain control? Will this movement bring permanent
change or will the cycle of instability continue?By 11 September 2025, one
thing was clear that the Genji movement has shaken Nepal's politics and society.
The ban on social media was only a spark, the real fire arose from corruption,
unemployment and lack of accountability. Kathmandu, which has been a symbol of
peace and culture for centuries, is now looking for a new political and social
era. The Jenji movement that erupted from 8 to 11 September 2025 is not just a
story of protest or anger, but it has become a symbol of the strength of
Nepal's youth and their dreams for the future. This movement proved that the
spark created by the social media ban was actually an explosion of deep
problems like corruption, unemployment and lack of accountability.But the most important sign
amid this chaos is that now the future of Nepal's parliament and power will be
in the hands of the youth. This voice was heard repeatedly in the streets of
Kathmandu that now the Jenji generation will take over the reins of change.35-year-old Kathmandu Mayor
Balendra Shah (Balen), who is very popular among the youth, has emerged as a
symbol of new leadership and new politics after this movement. His image is
clean, anti-corruption and based on transparency. This is the reason why he is
among the most liked faces in the Jenji group.The youth of Kathmandu have
shown that they are not just a crowd shouting slogans, but they have the ability
to change the direction of their country. They have proved what "youth is
all about" - and this message has now been seen not only in Nepal but the
whole world. This movement is a call - "Give us a chance too, let us work
too." If this energy and passion is channelized in the right direction,
Kathmandu and the whole of Nepal can see a new political and social dawn in the
coming years. Today the world has seen that what the youth of Kathmandu did was
not impossible. They have done this amazing thing.