Nepal Students Protest Government Ban on University Unions

Hundreds of students marched through Kathmandu on May 15, 2026, to protest the Nepalese government's recent decision to ban student unions in universities across the country. The demonstration, organized by groups including the Nepal Students Union and the All Nepal Independent Students Union, coincided with the 62nd Students Day. Participants marched from Tri-Chandra Campus to RR Campus, raising slogans against the ban and demanding the protection of university autonomy, students' rights, and freedom of association. The ban was implemented under a new 100-point action plan introduced by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration, which argues that educational institutions should not serve as instruments for political parties. Student leaders strongly criticized this move, warning that they would not accept any actions perceived as weakening democratic practices in Nepal. The protest highlights growing tensions between the student body and the government regarding political involvement in academia and civil liberties. This event underscores significant concerns among youth organizations about the preservation of democratic norms and institutional independence in the face of new governmental regulations.