In Nepal's vibrant capital Kathmandu and other cities, students are staging large-scale protests against corruption, inequality, and bans on social media platforms, leading to at least 20 fatalities. These protests, orchestrated by the NGO 'Hami Nepal', have effectively utilized platforms like Instagram and Discord to rally students together. The NGO even shared 'How to Protest' videos on their social media, encouraging students to bring college bags, books, and wear school uniforms.
On Monday, protesters wielded banners titled 'Youth Against Corruption', released by the NGO. Local media cited officials confirming 'Hami Nepal' had obtained permission for the Kathmandu protests. However, the rallies are seen as a response to government-imposed bans on 27 social media platforms for flouting registration rules. A review by local media reveals these protests stem from anti-corruption sentiments, with organizers anticipating potential violence during demonstrations.
Source: aajtak
What is 'Hami Nepal'?
'Hami Nepal' is a non-profit organization engaged in humanitarian aid and disaster response, registered since 2015. The members of the NGO are often seen leading rescue operations post-floods and earthquakes, distributing food, and restoring water supplies. Their social media shares partnerships with Nepal's army for flood rescue training and other civic projects.
Source: aajtak
This NGO advocates for numerous social issues, particularly those concerning students and migrants. Earlier this year, it prominently highlighted the case of a Nepali student's suicide at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Odisha after alleged harassment. Members, identifiable by their logo and red attire, continuously provided updates on the case.
However, 'Hami Nepal' infrequently comments on politically sensitive topics on social media. Usually active on Instagram regarding its social endeavors, when the NGO's 36-year-old founder Sudhan Gurung declared protests on September 8, posts about corruption or inequality were absent from their page.
On August 27, amidst a social media uproar against #NepoBabies, Sudhan Gurung addressed the discourse with a post titled, 'If we change ourselves, the nation will change.' His narrative questioned not when politicians would change but when individuals themselves would. Since September 6, 'Hami Nepal' has authored four posts about the protests and established 'Youth Against Corruption' groups on Instagram and Discord. On their website, 'Hami Nepal' reveals securing financial support worth 200 million Nepali Rupees from brands like Coca-Cola, Viber, Goldstar, and Mulberry Hotels.
The Volcanic Eruption of Youth Anger
In recent weeks, tension surrounding unemployment, inequality, and corruption has been simmering on youth-dominated online platforms across Nepal. Young netizens there allege politicians' and celebrities' offspring enjoy luxury while ordinary people combat for essentials.
According to Nepali media, hashtags like 'Nepo Kid' and 'Nepo Babies' trended extensively on TikTok and Reddit groups, echoing societal grievances. Other hashtags like #YouthAgainstCorruption, #NepoKid, #NepoBaby, #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal, and #FutureOfNepal also resonated widely.
Source: aajtak
Meanwhile, Proton VPN services reported an astounding 6000% increase in sign-ups from Nepal within three days as citizens sought methods to circumvent the social media restrictions. After 20 protest-related deaths, organizers declared, 'No student will attend classes from tomorrow. All schools, colleges, and universities are indefinitely shut until the government provides clear answers regarding these killings.'
Amidst discord groups titled 'Youth Against Corruption', emotions of shock, anger, and despair following these deaths are palpable. Protestors claim many succumbed to security forces' bullets. Group members discussed countering politicians with violence and disrupting government websites. One user even posted, 'I need a machine gun.'
