Balen Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, has launched a severe criticism against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, referring to him as a “terrorist” following the death of 19 students during the Gen Z protests on September 8, 2025. The protests were primarily against corruption, privilege, generational wealth, and the government’s recent social media ban.
Key Points from Balen Shah’s Post:
- Accusation Against PM Oli: Shah used Facebook to express his outrage, accusing Oli of failing to understand the grief of parents who lost their children. He stated, “You only became the father of hired loyalists. If you had ever truly become a father, you would understand the pain of losing sons and daughters” .
- Violent Crackdown as Terrorism: Shah described the police action as an unprecedented act of terror, saying, “The world has never witnessed such terrorism” and directly labeled Oli as a terrorist rather than a leader.
- Hashtag Campaign: He ended his post with the hashtagÂ
#KPOliIsTerrorist
 to intensify his criticism and draw broader public attention to the issue .
Context of the Protests:
The Gen Z protests erupted in response to:
- Social Media Ban: The government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms for failing to register under new regulations.
- Broader Grievances: Widespread anger against corruption, privilege, and generational wealth disparities.
- Violent Response: Police opened fire on protesters, resulting in 19 student deaths and numerous injuries nationwide, escalating political tensions .
Additional Insights:
- Political Tensions: The protest and Shah’s response highlight deepening divisions between the government and youth-led movements demanding accountability and change.
- International Context: While PM Oli has previously condemned terrorist attacks abroad (e.g., the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir ), Shah’s accusation turns the label of “terrorist” back onto Oli for domestic actions.
Balen Shah’s post reflects intense public fury over the government’s handling of the protests and could signal further political instability.