Nepal’s government lifted its week-old ban on social media platforms after nationwide protests led by young people spiraled into violence, leaving 19 people dead and more than 300 injured.
The demonstrations, driven largely by students and first-time voters, erupted after authorities blocked 26 major platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and X—for failing to register under new rules. Protesters accused the government of curbing free expression, while officials defended the ban as necessary to combat misinformation and cybercrime.
Clashes intensified on September 9 as crowds marched on Parliament in Kathmandu. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds to push back demonstrators. Hospitals reported dozens of critical injuries.
The fallout was swift: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, citing moral responsibility, while Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting that scrapped the restrictions. Oli promised compensation for victims’ families, free medical treatment for the injured, and a 15-day deadline for a high-level inquiry.
Despite the government’s reversal, unrest has spread beyond the social media issue, with protesters highlighting corruption, unemployment, and broader governance failures. Curfews remain in place across central Kathmandu, where troops continue to patrol key government zones.
International rights groups and the United Nations condemned the use of lethal force and urged Nepal to hold security forces accountable.
