The political reverberations of Nepal’s recent Gen-Z-driven protests, which led to the downfall of its government, are now echoing in India. This youth-led movement is increasingly cited in discussions and by authorities across various Indian regions. Recent events in Ladakh, where protests for statehood turned violent, have brought the issue to the forefront.
In Leh, following police action that resulted in the deaths of four protesters, Police Chief SD Singh Jamwal mentioned the alleged involvement of foreign elements in the demonstrations. He noted that two Nepalese nationals were apprehended during the investigation, prompting further scrutiny into potential external influences. This statement came after Home Ministry officials pointed to activist Sonam Wangchuk’s speeches, which reportedly referenced Nepal’s Gen-Z protests and the Arab Spring, as a contributing factor to the violence in Ladakh.
The term ‘Gen Z’, referring to those born around the turn of the millennium, has taken on significant political weight in the past month, particularly following the successful protests in Nepal. These demonstrations, initially triggered by a social media ban, are believed by analysts to stem from deeper-seated public anger over nepotism, elitism, and corruption within Nepal’s established political circles.
Meanwhile, in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma invoked the Nepal situation while addressing public reactions to the recent death of singer Zubeen Garg. He stated, “This is Zubeen’s Assam. We will not allow this to become Nepal.” Sarma cautioned against resorting to violence to seek justice, emphasizing that such actions are counterproductive. He also announced lookout notices against the organizer of the North East India Festival in Singapore and Garg’s manager, indicating a desire to maintain public order and prevent the escalation of any potential unrest.
The references to ‘Gen Z’ and Nepal’s political climate have become potent rhetorical tools in India’s political discourse. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was among the first to highlight Gen Z’s role in defending the constitution, shortly after the events in Nepal. Subsequently, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Gandhi of attempting to incite unrest in India, further suggesting that Gen Z in India might harbor aspirations for a Hindu nation. These exchanges underscore the growing intersection of youth activism, political rhetoric, and national security concerns in the region.