In Nepal, social media a pacifier and an aggressor

From mobilising the protests to choosing the interim prime minister — Discord, Bitchat became virtual control rooms

- ISHITA AYAN DUTT & GULVEEN AULAKH

The scenes that played out earlier in the week in Nepal seemed unreal. Wads of cash scattered from a minister's home, ministers and their families clinging to a rope from a rescue helicopter, a young man breaking into a dance against the backdrop of a burning Parliament building — it was a spectacle of defiance by the Gen Z.

Nepal was burning — in the line of fire were its political leaders and the elite.

The anger and resentment towards the establishment had been simmering for some time. On social media, #NepoKids had dominated the conversation for weeks, with posts and videos drawing attention to the extravagant lifestyles of politicians' children.

The discontent spilled onto the streets of Kathmandu on September 8, as the government moved to shut down 26 social media platforms for failure to register in the country. It was the final straw that pushed people to the boil. The recall came, but far too late.

At least 51 were said to be dead in the clashes that erupted. On September 9, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned and the Army evacuated ministers as protests continued.