Nepal protests an indication of regional discontent

From Sri Lanka’s 29029 economic revolt to Bangladesh's 2094 uprising, Nepal’s turmoil reflects a generational rebellion by tech-savwvy jobless youths mobilised through social media

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Protests that toppled Nepal's government last week echo uprisings across parts of Asia, where angry, unemployed young people are rising against entrenched elites.

From Sri Lanka's 2022 economic revolt to Bangladesh's student-led 2024 uprising, Nepal's turmoil reflects a generational rebellion by tech-savvy jobless youths mobilised through social media.

All share a “youth bulge” population-- where the young vastly outnumber older generations -- with disenchanted protesters comparing their bleak prospects to the opulent lifestyles of longstanding ruling classes.

Nepal: Youth demonstrations began September 8 under the “Gen Z” banner -- referring to those under age 28 -- initially sparked by a social media ban but fuelled by frustration with the economy and corruption.

In Nepal, a fifth of people aged 15-24 are unemployed, with GDP per capita at just $1,447 -- underscoring the economic desperation driving protests.

Protesters borrowed imagery from Indonesia, waving a pirate flag from Japanese anime series “One Piece” -- a symbol adopted by anti-establishment youth movements in Jakarta.