Key Points:
- Nepal government reversed its ban on 26 social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube following massive protests
- At least 19 people killed and over 100 injured in violent clashes between Gen Z protesters and security forces
- Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned taking moral responsibility for the deadly confrontations
- Indefinite curfew imposed in Kathmandu and several other cities to prevent further demonstrations
- Protests were primarily against government corruption, with social media ban serving as the trigger
Kathmandu: The Nepal government has lifted its controversial ban on social media platforms after deadly protests by Generation Z activists resulted in at least 19 deaths and over 100 injuries across the country. Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the reversal early Tuesday morning, stating that all restricted platforms are now operational again.
The violent confrontations erupted on Monday when thousands of young protesters, primarily students and Gen Z activists, stormed the federal parliament building in Kathmandu demanding an end to both the social media restrictions and widespread government corruption. The demonstrations quickly spread to other major cities including Pokhara, Butwal, Bharatpur, Itahari, and Damak.
Government’s Social Media Crackdown Backfires
The government had imposed the ban on September 4, targeting 26 major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, Signal, and Snapchat for failing to comply with new registration requirements. The restrictions demanded that social media companies establish registered offices and appoint local contacts in Nepal. Only five platforms, including TikTok and Viber, remained accessible as they had previously registered with authorities.
Critics argued that the shutdown was actually prompted by a viral social media trend highlighting nepotism and corruption among political leaders’ families, which had gained significant traction among Gen Z users. The ban was perceived as an authoritarian response to growing online criticism of the government’s handling of corruption and lack of economic opportunities for young people.
Violence Escalates as Security Forces Open Fire
The protests reached their peak on Monday when demonstrators attempted to breach the parliament building in Kathmandu. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. The most intense violence occurred in the capital, where 17 people died, while two additional fatalities were reported in the eastern city of Itahari.
In PM KP Sharma Oli’s hometown of Damak, angry protesters pelted stones at his residence and blocked the East-West Highway by burning tires. The situation deteriorated to such an extent that authorities deployed the army and issued shoot-at-sight orders to security forces.
Political Fallout and Government Response
Following the deadly clashes, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak from the Nepali Congress Party resigned, taking moral responsibility for the violence. Prime Minister Oli, in a late-night address, attributed the incidents to “infiltration from various self-serving entities” and announced that the government would provide compensation to victims’ families and free medical treatment for the injured.
The government has also announced the formation of an investigative committee to determine the causes of the violence and propose recommendations within 15 days to prevent similar incidents. An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu and several other cities to prevent further protests.
International Condemnation Mounts
The violent crackdown has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights demanded a probe into the killings, while Amnesty International condemned the excessive use of force and called for independent investigations and accountability.
The protests, which some demonstrators marked by carrying the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger flag from the anime One Piece (similar to recent Indonesian protests), represent the most significant challenge to the Oli government’s authority. The movement has highlighted the growing disconnect between Nepal’s political establishment and its young population, who comprise a significant portion of the country’s demographics.
