In September 2025, Nepal was shaken by mass youth-led protests sparked by the government’s decision to ban 26 social media and messaging platforms. While the measure was justified as a regulatory issue, it was widely perceived as an attack on freedom of expression. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated when security forces used live ammunition, killing nearly 20 students and injuring hundreds. A Deep Fissure between Nepal’s commons and Political Elite The state’s heavy-handed response transformed the movement from a single-issue protest into a broader revolt against entrenched corruption and political mismanagement....