Nepal‘s government has lifted a ban on 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, after mass protests turned deadly.
The ban was imposed to tackle misinformation, fraud, and hate speech, but it sparked widespread outrage among young people, who felt their freedom of expression was being curtailed.
According to Prithvi Subba Gurung, Nepal’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology, “We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now.”
The protests, dubbed the “Gen Z” protests, drew thousands of young adults and students to the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities. They were demonstrating against corruption, economic woes, and the social media ban.
The situation escalated when police fired live rounds and deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and batons as protesters attempted to storm the Parliament complex.
Seventeen protesters were killed in Kathmandu, and two others died in the city of Itahari. Over 100 people were injured, with estimates suggesting the figure could be as high as 400, including police officers.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed regret over the deaths, stating, “The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use.”
An investigation committee will be formed to look into the protests. Oli also announced that compensation would be provided to the families of those killed.
The United Nations Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the excessive use of force by security forces, saying, “we are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation.”
The protests were largely driven by Nepal’s younger generation, who are active on social media and frustrated with the government’s handling of corruption and economic issues. Many protesters felt that the government’s actions were an attempt to suppress dissent and control the narrative.
The protests in Nepal were sparked by the government’s decision to block 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, for failing to register with the authorities.
The government claimed the ban was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and cybercrime. However, the protesters saw it as an attempt to suppress dissent and curtail freedom of expression. The demonstrators demanded the government lift the ban and tackle corruption, which they believe has become institutionalized in Nepal.
The protests turned violent when police fired live rounds and deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and batons to disperse the crowd. At least 19 people were killed, and over 347 others were injured in the clashes.
The government later revoked the social media ban, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stating, “we will ensure conducive use of social media.” The home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, resigned, citing moral responsibility for the loss of lives during the demonstrations.
The United Nations expressed concern over the excessive use of force by security forces and called for a prompt and transparent investigation into the violence.
Ravina Shamdasani, a UN spokesperson, said, “we are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation.” The UN also urged the authorities to respect and ensure the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The protesters, largely comprised of Gen Z individuals, were driven by frustration with corruption and the government’s handling of economic issues.
They accused the government of betraying the trust of citizens and demanded a generational shift in leadership. The protests were marked by widespread participation from school and college students, some of whom were in uniform. The protesters also criticized the government’s authoritarian attitude and demanded change.
