Kathmandu: Nepal’s controversial social media ban has sparked massive unrest, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 80 injured after Generation Z protesters flooded the streets of Kathmandu and other cities demanding the ban be lifted.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the decision, calling it a matter of “national dignity,” but mounting pressure has forced the government to consider reversing the ban.
What Triggered the Protests?
Last week, Nepal blocked access to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube after tech companies failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Young Nepalis, many of them students, saw the move as an attack on free speech and a cover-up for rising corruption and inequality. Viral TikTok videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary people with the luxury lifestyles of politicians’ children fueled the anger.
Protests began peacefully with the national anthem but quickly turned violent, especially in New Baneshwor and Damak, where police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Demonstrators fought back, even throwing tear gas canisters back at security forces.
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Deaths, Injuries, and a Minister’s Resignation
At least one protester shot in New Baneshwor died while being treated at Civil Hospital. Many of the injured remain unidentified.
The chaos forced Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to resign, citing “moral responsibility” for the deaths.
Local media reported motorcycles set ablaze, effigies of PM Oli burned, and protesters attempting to storm municipal offices.
Government Now Rethinking the Ban
Government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the cabinet will meet to reconsider the ban.
“The government’s decisions are not more important than the lives of the people,” he said.
This signals a possible U-turn from the strict stance taken by PM Oli, who earlier argued the ban was about protecting national pride, not jobs.
Why the Ban Happened in the First Place
For over a year, Nepal has pushed tech giants to:
- Register under Nepali law
- Pay taxes locally
- Appoint grievance and compliance officers
When the platforms failed to comply, the Supreme Court ordered stricter enforcement. The government then issued a 7-day deadline before imposing the ban.
Nepal has a history of blocking apps—Telegram was banned in July over fraud concerns, while TikTok faced a 9-month ban before returning in 2024 after agreeing to government rules.
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What’s Next for Nepal?
As protests rage on, the Oli government is caught between asserting national authority and avoiding more bloodshed. If the ban is rolled back, it could ease tensions—but if not, Nepal risks further unrest from its digitally savvy youth.
For now, all eyes are on the cabinet meeting and whether Oli chooses compromise or confrontation
