Kathmandu, Nepal – Violent protests have swept across Nepal, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens injured. The unrest, largely driven by “Gen Z” youth, was triggered by a government ban on several major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. The government cited the platforms’ failure to register under new state regulations as the reason for the ban.
The protests, which initially began as a peaceful march, escalated dramatically on Monday when tens of thousands of demonstrators converged on the capital, Kathmandu. Protesters, chanting slogans against the social media ban and widespread government corruption, clashed with security forces. They broke through barricades and forced their way towards the Parliament building, with some even managing to enter the premises.
In response, police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Reports indicate that security forces also fired live ammunition, leading to the high number of casualties. The escalating violence prompted authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in various parts of the country, including key areas of Kathmandu, and deploy the army to assist in controlling the situation.
The protests are a manifestation of growing public frustration, particularly among the youth, over the government’s perceived authoritarian actions and persistent corruption. While the social media ban was the immediate catalyst, demonstrators have also been vocal about broader issues of unemployment, lack of opportunities, and economic hardship. The government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has defended the ban, stating that it respects freedom of expression but will not tolerate “national dignity” being undermined.
