Nepal Army Emerges as Guardian Amid Gen Z Uprising and Political Chaos

Nepal finds itself at a critical crossroads after the dramatic ouster of its government during the youth-led “Gen Z revolution” on September 8 and 9. The protests, fueled by deep-rooted frustrations over unemployment, corruption, and political elitism, escalated into widespread violence, leaving behind scenes of destruction and uncertainty.

Amid the turmoil, the Nepal Army has once again stepped forward as the anchor of the state, securing national institutions, protecting leaders under attack, and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.

Army’s Historic Role as Protector

The Nepal Army has long been regarded as the stabilizing force of the nation. Despite the devastating 2001 royal massacre that claimed King Birendra and much of the royal family, the institution he nurtured remained intact, continuing to serve as the backbone of Nepal’s statehood.

Similarly, during the April 2015 earthquake, when foreign relief agencies arrived in droves—some accused of undermining Nepal’s sovereignty—it was the Army that ensured aid distribution while preventing external interference.

Today, as Nepal grapples with political breakdown, the Army has once again taken command: securing the Tribhuvan International Airport, safeguarding the governance secretariat, and preventing further descent into lawlessness.

Political Upheaval Turns Violent

The youth-led uprising began as mass protests against the government’s decision to ban major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube. While authorities argued that the platforms were being used to incite unrest, the ban ignited anger and mobilized thousands.

The demonstrations quickly spiraled into chaos. Protesters stormed the Parliament building, vandalized properties, and attacked political leaders. Shocking footage circulated of the Finance Minister being chased and assaulted, while former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was reportedly beaten before being rescued by security forces.

Root Causes: Corruption, Inequality, and Frustration

Observers say the uprising reflects long-simmering grievances. Nepal’s youth, facing high unemployment and disillusionment with political leaders, have grown increasingly vocal against corruption, nepotism, and systemic exclusion.

“The socio-political elite class has been grabbing all opportunities and leaving the masses low and dry,” analyst Wangcha Sangey observed, warning that unchecked corruption and oppression create “a human volcano” destined to erupt.

Echoes Across South Asia

The upheaval in Kathmandu echoes recent crises in Colombo and Dhaka, where public frustration erupted into street revolts. Analysts caution that while governments may change, ordinary protesters often find themselves back at square one, with the real beneficiaries being unseen power-brokers who manipulate mass movements.

Still, Sangey stresses that such mass mobilization could not happen without genuine suffering: “Gen Z cannot be marshalled to revolt risking their lives if they were not oppressed and suppressed by the socio-political elites.”

A Regional Concern

As Nepal, a founding member of SAARC and a nation with deep cultural ties to its neighbors, bleeds, concern spreads across the region. “Somewhere something is gravely going wrong in the SAARC region,” Sangey reflected, adding that Bhutan shares a heartfelt concern for Nepal’s sovereignty.

For now, Nepal may remain in chaos—but not entirely in disorder. With the Nepal Army standing guard, the country’s fragile statehood endures, even as its political class faces a reckoning unlike any in recent history.