ASIA/NEPAL - Apostolic Administrator: "Young people demonstrate for good governance and for their future"

Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) – "I see many people on the streets, young people and students, protesting against corruption and a political class that only thinks about its own interests. Their ideals are good, they demand good governance, a future of prosperity and development, but they are frustrated by the failure of those in power. This frustration has escalated into anger and even violent acts after their peers were killed by the police. We are in a very delicate phase; young people are on the streets and intend to continue protesting until the government resigns," said Father Silas Bogati, Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate of Nepal since January 2025, who found himself in the midst of the protest today because, as soon as he landed at Kathmandu airport after a pastoral trip, due to the lack of transport, he moved on foot. He walked from the airport to his residence, through a city crisscrossed by protesters, who also gathered today outside the residence of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, demanding his resignation. Oli, pressured by the protests, subsequently resigned.
Yesterday, 19 people died and more than 300 were injured following the police response to the demonstrations. The government imposed a curfew, but when the mobilization persisted, the police resorted to repressive measures, and violence erupted. Protesters then set fire to vehicles in the street and the homes of leading politicians.
"The issue of the social media ban, which sparked the protests," notes Father Bogati, "was like a spark: deep dissatisfaction with the development of society and their future was perceived among young people. They see no prospects for employment and development, they see no opportunities. They see that the ruling elites are only pursuing their own interests: We have had several cases and complaints of corruption and scandals. Young people are denouncing widespread nepotism and cronyism. Now they want to bring about a change and are demanding a change of government," reports the Apostolic Administrator.
"The gap between politicians and ordinary people is palpable in the country. Lawmakers are not perceived as people working for the good of the country, which has led to discontent and demonstrations. The repressive measures taken have increased frustration and fueled tensions," reports Father Bogati.
"As a small Catholic community," he concludes, "with 8,000 believers, we are just a drop in the ocean in Nepal, but we are part of the country and share the desire for justice and good governance. We do this primarily by teaching children and young people the principles and values of the Church's social teaching, such as justice, peace, security, transparency, solidarity, and the common good, through our educational work and the educational sector."
The Nepalese government has since lifted its ban on social media, but as the protests continue, it is losing ground. Yesterday, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, followed today by Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, who criticized the government's approach, saying: "Peaceful protest is a right of citizens. The widespread repression, killings, and use of violence are leading to a dictatorial system rather than a democracy."
The protests began online last week after the government blocked major social media platforms widely used in Nepal (such as Facebook, X, and YouTube) for failing to comply with a new requirement to submit to government supervision. The Supreme Court had placed social media under state supervision to combat online misinformation. However, the measures were heavily criticized and labeled "censorship." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 9/9/2025)

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civil society

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demonstrations

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