Nepal Social Media Ban Sparks Violent Protests

Kathmandu witnessed some of its deadliest protests in recent years on Monday as police clashed with thousands of young demonstrators rallying against the government’s ban on popular social media platforms. At least ten people were reportedly killed and nearly 90 injured after police fired tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse the crowds.

Kathmandu Valley Police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal told AFP that “until now, 10 protesters have died and 87 are injured.” The military has been deployed in key areas of the capital to restore order, according to defence officials.

The protests, spearheaded by youths under the banner of “Gen Z”, escalated dramatically outside the Parliament building in Kathmandu. Witnesses reported that tensions flared when several demonstrators forced their way into the Parliament complex, prompting police to respond with heavy force. The violence left hospital emergency rooms overwhelmed, with Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at Civil Hospital, confirming that their emergency ward was “packed” with those injured in the clashes.

The unrest comes after the government blocked 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, late last week. The move, which officials said was aimed at enforcing regulations, sparked widespread anger and confusion among citizens who rely heavily on these platforms for communication, education, and business.

In response to the escalating protests, the Kathmandu District Administration imposed a prohibitory order from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in areas surrounding Parliament, banning movement, public gatherings, and demonstrations. “No movement of people, demonstration, meeting, gathering, or sit-in will be allowed in the restricted zone,” Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal said in a statement. The restrictions were later extended to include the areas around the President’s residence, the Vice President’s residence, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The sweeping crackdown marks a significant escalation in tensions between the government and a younger generation increasingly vocal about censorship and corruption. With major parts of Kathmandu under heavy security, the situation remains tense as calls grow for the government to lift the social media ban and address the grievances driving the protests.