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September 2025
Nepal witnessed extraordinary scenes on Wednesday as angry protests forced government ministers to escape on an army helicopter, clinging to ropes and rescue baskets while smoke filled the skies of the capital. The dramatic airlift came as young demonstrators, mostly Gen Z stormed government areas, furious over corruption and a controversial social media ban.
Chaos on the Streets
Videos now circulating online show ministers dangling from ropes below a military helicopter as crowds screamed below. In one clip, a rescue basket lifted an official while people tried to grab it in desperation.
The protests, which began after the government briefly blocked social media, quickly escalated into wider anger over corruption, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. Tensions had already peaked when parts of the Parliament building were set on fire earlier this week.
Ministers Under Attack
- Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was reportedly chased and attacked by protesters.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, along with her husband former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba faced violent mobs near their residence.
With crowds closing in, the army was forced to intervene, sending helicopters to evacuate several leaders from danger zones.
Why Gen Z is Leading the Anger
Most of the protesters are young Nepalis, many of them in their 20s, who feel abandoned by the country’s leaders. The social media ban was the tipping point, but frustrations had already been brewing over:
- Persistent corruption cases
- Lack of jobs and economic opportunities
- Anger at an aging political class seen as disconnected from reality
The resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Tuesday, after Parliament was attacked, has only deepened the uncertainty. Oli has remained in a caretaker role until a successor is chosen.
Who Could Lead Next
Protesters are demanding a leader outside the traditional political elite. Some popular names being discussed include:
- Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki
- Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah
- Ex-electricity board chief Kulman Ghising
President Ram Chandra Poudel has called for peace and urged protesters to return to talks instead of violence.
What This Means for Nepal
The images of ministers literally hanging from a military helicopter show just how deep the crisis has become. Trust between citizens and leaders is at its lowest point in decades. For many, this is more than just politics; it reflects a generational demand for change.
Whether the government responds with meaningful reforms or more crackdowns will decide if the unrest settles or spirals further.
The Road Ahead
- An interim government is expected soon, possibly led by a figure outside mainstream politics.
- Security forces are keeping a tight grip around key government buildings, minister residences, and Parliament.
- Curfews remain in place, and social media platforms—once banned—are under close watch.
Parting Thoughts
The sight of ministers escaping by clinging to helicopter ropes will go down as one of the defining images of Nepal’s political struggle. It symbolizes the vast gap between rulers and the people they govern. Restoring trust will require more than speeches; it will demand new leadership, transparency, and respect for basic rights. For now, Nepal waits anxiously to see who will step up and whether the politicians can win back the trust of an angry, mobilized generation.
