NEPAL FLOODS | Nepal’s devastating floods and glacial collapse have killed more than 1,300 people, while over 5,600 remain missing as rescue teams continue a desperate search for survivors.

Twelve days into the disaster, rescue operations are continuing across some of the worst-hit regions. In the Chile area, an Indian-Nepali rescue team is searching for people believed to be trapped inside a hydropower tunnel.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, an approach road for heavy machinery is being constructed to speed up rescue operations. A three-ton excavator has been transported to Syru Bessi, where it will be assembled before being moved toward the tunnel once the temporary route is ready.

In Rasuwa, a Chinese national was rescued alive from inside a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project. The survivor had no visible injuries and stable vital signs but showed signs of mild hypothermia. Officials say this is the third person rescued alive from the tunnels.

NEPAL FLOODS | Death Toll Crosses 1,300, Over 5,600 Missing | Tunnel Rescues Bring Fresh Hope

NEPAL FLOOD LIVE: Nepal is still counting the dead and searching for thousands of missing people, five days after a devastating wall of mud and water tore through the Himalayan border region. The official death toll has climbed to 788, while around 2,500 people remain unaccounted for.

Rescue teams are battling thick debris, damaged roads and swollen rivers across affected areas along the Trishuli and surrounding river systems. New images show buildings destroyed, roads washed away and infrastructure reduced to rubble after the powerful flood surge swept down from the Tibet region.

A major focus of the rescue operation is now on hydropower projects, where workers are feared trapped inside tunnels. More than 100 workers could still be alive across several tunnels, while Nepal’s disaster management authorities have reported around 933 hydropower workers missing since the floods struck.

Rescue teams are drilling access points, pumping air through pipes and sending cameras underground in an effort to locate survivors.

Nepal is also facing a growing humanitarian and identification crisis as morgues fill and some victims become difficult to identify. Authorities have temporarily buried unidentified bodies after collecting DNA samples and other evidence. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the samples will be preserved to help identify victims and eventually return them to their families.

NEPAL FLOOD: 788 Dead, 2,500 Missing | 933 Hydropower Workers Feared Trapped

Nepal continues to face a devastating flood crisis, five days after a massive wall of mud and water tore through areas near the Nepal-China border.

The reported death toll has climbed to 788, while around 2,500 people remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams are working through thick debris, destroyed settlements and swollen river valleys in an increasingly difficult search for survivors.

A major focus of the operation is Nepal’s hydropower sector, where hundreds of workers are feared missing. Authorities say around 933 hydropower workers have been reported missing since the floods struck, with more than 100 workers potentially still trapped inside tunnels. Rescue teams are drilling access points, pumping air into tunnels and using cameras to search for signs of life.

Heartbreaking images have also emerged from the disaster zone, including the rescue of a young girl reportedly trapped beneath rubble for days.

Nepal Flood Crisis: 788 Dead, 2,500 Missing As Rescue Teams Search Debris And Tunnels

NEPAL FLOODS: Nepal is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis after catastrophic flash floods and landslides struck areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, leaving hundreds dead and thousands missing.

Authorities have reported 633 confirmed deaths, including 626 bodies recovered in Nepal and seven deaths in Tibet, while more than 2,400 people remain missing. Search and rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors as difficult weather and damaged infrastructure continue to hamper operations.

A fresh danger is also emerging, with authorities warning about the risk of another flood as a damming lake along the Nepal-China border threatens to overflow or burst. Heavy rainfall has already disrupted rescue operations, while rising river levels have prompted precautionary evacuations in surrounding areas.

More than 14,000 security personnel have been mobilized for rescue operations, with thousands of people rescued so far. One of the most urgent missions is underway at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Rasuwa, where people are believed to be trapped inside a tunnel.

Nepal Flood Horror: Bodies Recovered as Families Search for Loved Ones

Kulman Ghising, the former chief executive of the Nepal Electricity Authority, is gaining strong attention as a potential interim prime minister of Nepal. This comes amid the ongoing protests led by the country’s Gen Z activists, just two days after former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned under pressure. Following Oli’s departure, the Nepal Army enforced strict nationwide restrictions, including a curfew extending until 6 am on Thursday. During this period, names such as Kulman Ghising, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah surfaced as the top choices among the youth-led movement to steer an interim government.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-jesus-defeated-death-charlie-kirk-s-last-message-resonates-across-social-media-after-shooting-1757583446838">'Jesus defeated death': Charlie Kirk’s last message resonates across social media after shooting</a><h2>Who is Kulman Ghising?</h2>Ghising’s rise to prominence stems from his widely recognised achievement of ending the severe power outages that had plagued Nepal for years. Trained as an electrical engineer, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the Regional Institute of Technology in Jamshedpur, India, and later completed a master’s degree in power systems engineering from Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Engineering in Pulchowk.&nbsp;Starting his career with the Nepal Electricity Authority in 1994, Ghising steadily advanced through the organization. In 2016, he was appointed managing director and quickly became a household name after successfully eliminating daily power cuts that sometimes lasted up to 18 hours. Though he was replaced in 2020, Ghising was brought back to the role in 2021 due to his proven track record.&nbsp;However, his journey has not been without controversy. The government led by KP Sharma Oli removed Ghising from his post in March 2025, just months before his tenure was scheduled to conclude. His replacement, Hitendra Dev Shakya, was seen by many as a politically motivated move rather than one based on Ghising’s performance. The decision sparked backlash from opposition parties and civil society groups alike, who credited Ghising with resolving one of Nepal’s most critical infrastructure challenges.&nbsp;Now, as the nation navigates political upheaval, Kulman Ghising’s reputation as a problem-solver and trusted leader has made him a top contender for guiding Nepal through this transitional phase.

Kulman Ghising's name floats as for Nepal’s interim PM amid youth protests. Who is he?

Kulman Ghising, the former chief executive of the Nepal Electricity Authority, is gaining strong attention as a potential interim prime minister of Nepal. This comes amid the ongoing protests led by the country’s Gen Z activists, just two days after former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned under pressure. Following Oli’s departure, the Nepal Army enforced strict nationwide restrictions, including a curfew extending until 6 am on Thursday. During this period, names such as Kulman Ghising, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah surfaced as the top choices among the youth-led movement to steer an interim government. Also Read: 'Jesus defeated death': Charlie Kirk’s last message resonates across social media after shooting Who is Kulman Ghising? Ghising’s rise to prominence stems from his widely recognised achievement of ending the severe power outages that had plagued Nepal for years. Trained as an electrical engineer, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the Regional Institute of Technology in Jamshedpur, India, and later completed a master’s degree in power systems engineering from Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Engineering in Pulchowk. Starting his career with the Nepal Electricity Authority in 1994, Ghising steadily advanced through the organization. In 2016, he was appointed managing director and quickly became a household name after successfully eliminating daily power cuts that sometimes lasted up to 18 hours. Though he was replaced in 2020, Ghising was brought back to the role in 2021 due to his proven track record. However, his journey has not been without controversy. The government led by KP Sharma Oli removed Ghising from his post in March 2025, just months before his tenure was scheduled to conclude. His replacement, Hitendra Dev Shakya, was seen by many as a politically motivated move rather than one based on Ghising’s performance. The decision sparked backlash from opposition parties and civil society groups alike, who credited Ghising with resolving one of Nepal’s most critical infrastructure challenges. Now, as the nation navigates political upheaval, Kulman Ghising’s reputation as a problem-solver and trusted leader has made him a top contender for guiding Nepal through this transitional phase.

Kulman Ghising, praised for ending Nepal’s power crisis, is now another frontrunner for interim prime minister as GenZ activists seek leadership after Oli’s ousting

Nepal’s youth unemployment (ages 15–24) stood at about 20.8 per cent in 2024, one of the highest rates in recent years. Many graduates face underemployment, lacking stable, formal-sector roles.

Nepal’s youth unemployment (ages 15–24) stood at about 20.8 per cent in 2024, one of the highest rates in recent years. Many graduates face underemployment, lacking stable, formal-sector roles.

Why Nepal’s Gen Z will financially suffer even more after the September 2025 revolution

Days before Nepal witnessed protests that toppled the administration of the country, #NepoKids and #NepoBaby were creating a buzz on social media. The youth of the country, while raising their voices against unemployment, showcased the luxuries and cushioned lives that the families of ministers and former ministers were enjoying. From ultra-luxurious watches to the shoes and swanky homes they flaunted of social media. For the rich wards of the ministers it may be the mere consequence of being a product of nepotism, but it irked the youth of the country. And then began the movement, which began pulling out pictures of their ‘nepo kids’.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>How did it all begin?</h2>&nbsp;The uprising in Nepal was against corruption, but it began with exposing the lavish lifestyle of ministers and their families. From receiving a degree from colleges abroad to taking vacations to pristine locations across the globe, Nepal’s Gen Z revolution began by calling a spade and spade. The youth was and still is motivated to keep it going until it stops.&nbsp;<h2>Social media ban</h2> It largely began with the social media ban and which was seen as censorship to stifle their voice. The youth was on the streets not to just for the withdrawal of the ban imposed, but to call out the corruption. It was dubbed ‘Nepal’s Gen Z’ protest, but a day later on September 10, many youth groups came out issuing statements saying it wasn’t us.&nbsp;

Nepalese youth call out families of ministers for leading luxurious lives, while unemployment surged in the country.

Days before Nepal witnessed protests that toppled the administration of the country, #NepoKids and #NepoBaby were creating a buzz on social media. The youth of the country, while raising their voices against unemployment, showcased the luxuries and cushioned lives that the families of ministers and former ministers were enjoying. From ultra-luxurious watches to the shoes and swanky homes they flaunted of social media. For the rich wards of the ministers it may be the mere consequence of being a product of nepotism, but it irked the youth of the country. And then began the movement, which began pulling out pictures of their ‘nepo kids’. How did it all begin? The uprising in Nepal was against corruption, but it began with exposing the lavish lifestyle of ministers and their families. From receiving a degree from colleges abroad to taking vacations to pristine locations across the globe, Nepal’s Gen Z revolution began by calling a spade and spade. The youth was and still is motivated to keep it going until it stops. Social media ban It largely began with the social media ban and which was seen as censorship to stifle their voice. The youth was on the streets not to just for the withdrawal of the ban imposed, but to call out the corruption. It was dubbed ‘Nepal’s Gen Z’ protest, but a day later on September 10, many youth groups came out issuing statements saying it wasn’t us.

Nepalese youth call out families of ministers for leading luxurious lives, while unemployment surged in the country.

How ‘Nepo Kids’ click for the gram triggered Nepal's Gen Z revolution | In a Nutshell

The first part of this article's headline is a quote from the 2005 movie V for Vendetta, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The line is spoken by V, the masked anarchist titular character fighting a fascist regime in a dystopian future Britain. When one looks at the recent mass protests that toppled governments in South Asia, the crux of these lines is being proven again: that the people are the sovereigns, and the power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed. When regimes tinker with that consent for too long with impunity, eruptions will happen, as the people have the right, and responsibility, to overthrow them. It is not uncommon for governments to forget that they exist to serve the people, and not the other way round. They can be overthrown – by ballots or bullets – if they violate people's trust. Unchecked authoritarianism and corruption will be met with often unexpected levels of resistance and violence.What should the governments of the region and further afield learn from the Nepal protest?<h2>When people rise up against their government: The tipping point</h2>There is always a cocktail of causes that lead to a tipping point: collective action follows when fear, repression, or economic hardship become so unbearable that people are willing to die to make their nations a better place. In South Asia, this idea manifested vividly in recent protests across Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Some of these movements were successful, &nbsp;some led to further chaos and uncertainty, while others are still evolving. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/guns-fired-weapons-seized-buildings-burnt-the-deadly-day-of-violence-in-nepal-protest-in-pics-gen-z-nepo-kids-oust-pm-oli-1757495741405">Guns fired, weapons seized, buildings burnt: The deadly day of violence in Nepal protest IN PICS</a> But the causes are similar: economic hardship marked by high cost of living and unemployment, authoritarian overreach, social injustices. That’s when ordinary citizens, particularly the youth, roam the streets in defiance of state control, forcing regime changes, government backdowns, or ongoing armed struggles. The outcomes vary by country, but the essence remains the same: when governments consistently instil fear, something breaks in people. In fact their anger makes them fearless.<h2>Nepal: Youth-led uprising against corruption and censorship morphs into mayhem</h2>In a matter of a week this month, Nepal erupted in widespread "Gen Z" protests triggered by a government ban on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X. The ostensible reason was the platforms’ alleged failure to register under a new law, but the protests against it went beyond the youth and became an expression of fury over rampant corruption, nepotism ("nepo kids" of elites flaunting luxury amid poverty), and economic stagnation. As youth unemployment hit 20.8 per cent, the protesters – mostly teenagers and young adults – defied curfews, set fire to government buildings like Parliament and the Supreme Court, and targeted politicians' homes, reportedly leading to at least 22 deaths.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-protest-kp-oli-s-india-visit-in-third-term-that-never-happened-1757418162033">Nepal protest: Oli's India visit in third term — that never happened</a>The government's violent response – deploying the army and imposing curfews – was evidence of how much it feared its own people. The fragility of the government was evident when Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned and was seen boarding a chopper just two days into the protests, after four cabinet ministers stepped down. The social media ban was lifted, and President Ram Chandra Paudel invited Gen Z leaders for talks, exposing the regime's vulnerability.<h2>Bangladesh: Student-led revolution topples a government</h2>The 2024 student-led "July Revolution" in Bangladesh started as a protest against the reinstatement of a 30 per cent job quota for descendants of 1971 war veterans, even as the youth were reeling under high unemployment. Peaceful demonstrations soon spiralled into a mass uprising against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule. Hasina faced allegations of corruption, media suppression, and election rigging of the 2024 polls which the opposition had boycotted. Protesters, joined by parents and opposition parties like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, stormed Hasina's residence on August 5, forcing her to flee the country.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-protest-ramesh-lekhak-home-minister-resigns-after-18-killed-in-clashes-1757341508160">Nepal protest: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak sends resignation after 18 killed in clashes</a>The protests were fanned by the government's brutal crackdown ordered by Hasina, which reportedly resulted in 1,400 deaths, mostly at the hands of security forces. The "Long March to Dhaka" defied curfews, leading to Hasina's ouster and the taking over of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. &nbsp; Even though that 'revolution' soon spiralled into attacks on Awami League supporters and its ban, this was another instance of how the people showed that the government should fear them.<h2>Sri Lanka's Aragalaya: A loud cry against years of family rule</h2>The 2022 Aragalaya ("struggle") in Sri Lanka was the people’s collective response to the worst economic crisis since the South Asian island’s independence. In the post-pandemic world, the country defaulted on international debt, causing inflation and fuel shortages. The people were already opposed to the corruption under the Rajapaksa family. Days of protests and violence eventually forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign in July. The protesters occupied the seats of power like the presidential palace. Their demand was a "system change", as poverty doubled to 25 per cent. Even today, the crisis's aftermath lingers, with IMF-mandated austerity measures still sparking smaller protests against high taxes and inequality.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-protest-youth-protest-against-corruption-and-economic-stagnation-1757489751958/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-protest-youth-protest-against-corruption-and-economic-stagnation-1757489751958/embed</a>The Sri Lankan government initially responded with brutal force and the weaponisation of repressive laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act. But the people refused to leave the streets, and the struggle led to a different electoral result in 2024 that saw the left-leaning Anura Kumara Dissanayake's NPP alliance winning by a landslide. That was a repudiation of the elite that occupied power for decades. Here also, people made the government afraid of them, paving the way for a democratic renewal without full-scale violence.<h2>Myanmar: From protests to armed people's war</h2>Myanmar’s 2021 military coup and its aftermath is, however, a more nuanced story. After the removal of Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and installation of a military junta, a massive civil disobedience and protest followed. It was met with lethal force, with at least 2,500 civilians reportedly killed. In the past two years, the civilian protests died down, with the resistance evolving into a civil war. The National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic armed groups like the Arakan Army and Kachin Independence Army have captured territories like Lashio and Ann, controlling 42 per cent of the country.The junta responded with airstrikes, torture, and civilian killings – reportedly 6,486 deaths by April 2025. The People's Resistance Force, which emerged as a response to the coup, has grown from 65,000 fighters in 2022 to 85,000 by 2024, even as 93 per cent of the public is estimated to be supporting the NUG. The events have displaced some 3.5 million, and the chaotic situation continues, with people continuing to resist the government.<h2>Pakistan and Afghanistan: The story is still evolving</h2>Similar protest movements are taking place against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and the current dispensation in Pakistan. In spite of the jailing of former prime minister Imran Khan, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led protests. In these marches, thousands defied barricades and prohibitory orders, with nearly 1,000 people arrested and at least six people killed.The government has shut down the internet several times, used Section 144 for bans and curfews, and made mass arrests of more than 500 in August. Some 108 PTI members were jailed in 2025, often on anti-terrorism convictions. The government clearly fears PTI's mobilisation. But how far Khan can survive and succeed depends on a number of factors. The powerful army-intelligence nexus has been running Pakistan for years. It is not easy to topple that regime. But one day, things could change dramatically.<h2>A regional tide of defiance</h2>The pattern across these nations is clear: people protest, and governments afraid of loss of control and power respond with violence, censorship, or repression. But that often backfires very quickly. Economic crises (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) and authoritarianism (Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan) are fuelling youth-led resistance, leading to resignations (Nepal, Bangladesh), electoral shifts (Sri Lanka), or sustained warfare (Myanmar). In the case of Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the story is still unfolding: defiance persists, but at a heavy cost.<h2>The results are not always rosy</h2>It has been seen that the final results of any mass movement are not perfect. It is messy, often transitional. Sometimes such movements only replace one repressive regime with another. External influences and games in the chess of global influence complicate these people’s movements. But they all point to a lesson that the powerful often forget: when pushed to the brink, people shed fear, making governments deal with the power of their collective action. &nbsp;Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer

Mass protests across South Asia—from Nepal to Bangladesh and beyond—show rising youth-led resistance against authoritarianism, corruption, and economic woes. These movements prove that people are the final authority, and when pushed, they can make governments fear them 



The first part of this article's headline is a quote from the 2005 movie V for Vendetta, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The line is spoken by V, the masked anarchist titular character fighting a fascist regime in a dystopian future Britain. When one looks at the recent mass protests that toppled governments in South Asia, the crux of these lines is being proven again: that the people are the sovereigns, and the power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed. When regimes tinker with that consent for too long with impunity, eruptions will happen, as the people have the right, and responsibility, to overthrow them. It is not uncommon for governments to forget that they exist to serve the people, and not the other way round. They can be overthrown – by ballots or bullets – if they violate people's trust. Unchecked authoritarianism and corruption will be met with often unexpected levels of resistance and violence. What should the governments of the region and further afield learn from the Nepal protest? When people rise up against their government: The tipping point There is always a cocktail of causes that lead to a tipping point: collective action follows when fear, repression, or economic hardship become so unbearable that people are willing to die to make their nations a better place. In South Asia, this idea manifested vividly in recent protests across Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Some of these movements were successful, some led to further chaos and uncertainty, while others are still evolving. Also read: Guns fired, weapons seized, buildings burnt: The deadly day of violence in Nepal protest IN PICS But the causes are similar: economic hardship marked by high cost of living and unemployment, authoritarian overreach, social injustices. That’s when ordinary citizens, particularly the youth, roam the streets in defiance of state control, forcing regime changes, government backdowns, or ongoing armed struggles. The outcomes vary by country, but the essence remains the same: when governments consistently instil fear, something breaks in people. In fact their anger makes them fearless. Nepal: Youth-led uprising against corruption and censorship morphs into mayhem In a matter of a week this month, Nepal erupted in widespread "Gen Z" protests triggered by a government ban on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X. The ostensible reason was the platforms’ alleged failure to register under a new law, but the protests against it went beyond the youth and became an expression of fury over rampant corruption, nepotism ("nepo kids" of elites flaunting luxury amid poverty), and economic stagnation. As youth unemployment hit 20.8 per cent, the protesters – mostly teenagers and young adults – defied curfews, set fire to government buildings like Parliament and the Supreme Court, and targeted politicians' homes, reportedly leading to at least 22 deaths. Also read: Nepal protest: Oli's India visit in third term — that never happened The government's violent response – deploying the army and imposing curfews – was evidence of how much it feared its own people. The fragility of the government was evident when Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned and was seen boarding a chopper just two days into the protests, after four cabinet ministers stepped down. The social media ban was lifted, and President Ram Chandra Paudel invited Gen Z leaders for talks, exposing the regime's vulnerability. Bangladesh: Student-led revolution topples a government The 2024 student-led "July Revolution" in Bangladesh started as a protest against the reinstatement of a 30 per cent job quota for descendants of 1971 war veterans, even as the youth were reeling under high unemployment. Peaceful demonstrations soon spiralled into a mass uprising against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule. Hasina faced allegations of corruption, media suppression, and election rigging of the 2024 polls which the opposition had boycotted. Protesters, joined by parents and opposition parties like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, stormed Hasina's residence on August 5, forcing her to flee the country. Also read: Nepal protest: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak sends resignation after 18 killed in clashes The protests were fanned by the government's brutal crackdown ordered by Hasina, which reportedly resulted in 1,400 deaths, mostly at the hands of security forces. The "Long March to Dhaka" defied curfews, leading to Hasina's ouster and the taking over of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Even though that 'revolution' soon spiralled into attacks on Awami League supporters and its ban, this was another instance of how the people showed that the government should fear them. Sri Lanka's Aragalaya: A loud cry against years of family rule The 2022 Aragalaya ("struggle") in Sri Lanka was the people’s collective response to the worst economic crisis since the South Asian island’s independence. In the post-pandemic world, the country defaulted on international debt, causing inflation and fuel shortages. The people were already opposed to the corruption under the Rajapaksa family. Days of protests and violence eventually forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign in July. The protesters occupied the seats of power like the presidential palace. Their demand was a "system change", as poverty doubled to 25 per cent. Even today, the crisis's aftermath lingers, with IMF-mandated austerity measures still sparking smaller protests against high taxes and inequality. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-protest-youth-protest-against-corruption-and-economic-stagnation-1757489751958/embed The Sri Lankan government initially responded with brutal force and the weaponisation of repressive laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act. But the people refused to leave the streets, and the struggle led to a different electoral result in 2024 that saw the left-leaning Anura Kumara Dissanayake's NPP alliance winning by a landslide. That was a repudiation of the elite that occupied power for decades. Here also, people made the government afraid of them, paving the way for a democratic renewal without full-scale violence. Myanmar: From protests to armed people's war Myanmar’s 2021 military coup and its aftermath is, however, a more nuanced story. After the removal of Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and installation of a military junta, a massive civil disobedience and protest followed. It was met with lethal force, with at least 2,500 civilians reportedly killed. In the past two years, the civilian protests died down, with the resistance evolving into a civil war. The National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic armed groups like the Arakan Army and Kachin Independence Army have captured territories like Lashio and Ann, controlling 42 per cent of the country. The junta responded with airstrikes, torture, and civilian killings – reportedly 6,486 deaths by April 2025. The People's Resistance Force, which emerged as a response to the coup, has grown from 65,000 fighters in 2022 to 85,000 by 2024, even as 93 per cent of the public is estimated to be supporting the NUG. The events have displaced some 3.5 million, and the chaotic situation continues, with people continuing to resist the government. Pakistan and Afghanistan: The story is still evolving Similar protest movements are taking place against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and the current dispensation in Pakistan. In spite of the jailing of former prime minister Imran Khan, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led protests. In these marches, thousands defied barricades and prohibitory orders, with nearly 1,000 people arrested and at least six people killed. The government has shut down the internet several times, used Section 144 for bans and curfews, and made mass arrests of more than 500 in August. Some 108 PTI members were jailed in 2025, often on anti-terrorism convictions. The government clearly fears PTI's mobilisation. But how far Khan can survive and succeed depends on a number of factors. The powerful army-intelligence nexus has been running Pakistan for years. It is not easy to topple that regime. But one day, things could change dramatically. A regional tide of defiance The pattern across these nations is clear: people protest, and governments afraid of loss of control and power respond with violence, censorship, or repression. But that often backfires very quickly. Economic crises (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) and authoritarianism (Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan) are fuelling youth-led resistance, leading to resignations (Nepal, Bangladesh), electoral shifts (Sri Lanka), or sustained warfare (Myanmar). In the case of Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the story is still unfolding: defiance persists, but at a heavy cost. The results are not always rosy It has been seen that the final results of any mass movement are not perfect. It is messy, often transitional. Sometimes such movements only replace one repressive regime with another. External influences and games in the chess of global influence complicate these people’s movements. But they all point to a lesson that the powerful often forget: when pushed to the brink, people shed fear, making governments deal with the power of their collective action. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer

Mass protests across South Asia—from Nepal to Bangladesh and beyond—show rising youth-led resistance against authoritarianism, corruption, and economic woes. These movements prove that people are the final authority, and when pushed, they can make governments fear them&nbsp;&nbsp;

People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people: Lessons from South Asia

A high-level Chinese delegation, led by a vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to “take stock” of Nepal’s political situation

Chinese delegation arrives in Nepal amid constitutional crisis

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night.

A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said.

The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry.

The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border.

The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas.

This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon.

At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season. 
&nbsp;

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday. The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night. A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said. The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry. The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border. The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas. This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon. At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season.

Rain-triggered landslide kills 11 people in Nepal

The hashtag #StopDemocidePMOli has been in widespread use on Twitter and Facebook, two of the most-used social networks in the country.

Your Story: Anger against PM Oli's poor pandemic response

The Nepal's Metropolitan Traffic Office has installed mannequins dressed as traffic police at various locations of the city to make road users aware of proposed hikes in fines

Nepal traffic police use dummies to fight COVID-19

Nepal's national carrier - The Nepal Airlines is grounding its Chinese aircraft. A report claims that the planes had become a big liability for the airline. Did China force Nepal to buy these planes?

Gravitas: Why Nepal airlines is grounding Chinese planes

The Nepalese government has decided to provoke the Parliament during the ongoing budget session. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is now facing the toughest crisis of his political career. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: PM Oli's anti-India rhetoric backfires, Will Jingoism lead to PM Oli's fall

Pressure mounts on Napalese PM: Rift between PM Sharma Oli and Prachanda

As per sources, Oli has been advised by his aides in Nepal Communist Party (NCP) to reach out to the rival faction in an attempt to win their confidence.

Nepalese PM K.P Sharma Oli battles to save his govt | Nepal Top News | Prachanda

Three opposition MPs of the Nepali Congress have filed a petition demanding steps to take back lands encroached by China.

Get back our land from China, opposition MPs in Nepal demand

Nepal on Tuesday reiterated its offer to hold diplomatic talks with India to resolve the territorial issue between the two countries.

'Confident that issue can be resolved through dialogue' says Nepal's foreign minister