Nepal Protests Amid Social Media Ban: Clashes Kill 19

Nepal Protest: Social Media Sites Back In Operation As Massive Protests Kill 19

Nepal Protests Amid Social Media ban: clashes kill 19: On September 4, the Nepal government imposed a sudden ban on 26 social media platforms—including Facebook, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram—citing non-compliance with registration laws. The move triggered massive public outrage, especially among Gen Z, who led widespread protests across the country.

What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated. In Kathmandu, protesters broke into the Parliament complex, prompting police to respond with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. Clashes between security forces and protesters turned deadly, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuries to over 300.

With the situation spiraling, the government declared curfews in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and even deployed the army. Under intense pressure and facing nationwide unrest, the Oli government held an emergency cabinet meeting on September 9, where Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the social media ban had been lifted.

Platforms began coming back online late Monday night, and the government urged protesters—especially the ‘Gen G’ youth group spearheading the movement—to stand down.

This protest wasn’t just about social media. It reflected deeper frustrations with corruption, unemployment, and government overreach, raising fears of broader instability and even talk of a possible coup—though none occurred.

Highlights of the Gen-Z Protests in Nepal

** ‘Gen-Z Revolution’ Led by Youth**
This protest movement has been dubbed the ‘Gen-Z Revolution’ or ‘Gen-G Movement’, as it was primarily driven by students and young citizens demanding digital rights, accountability, and reform.
** Triggered by Social Media Ban**
The immediate spark was the government’s ban on 26 major social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, etc., for non-compliance with local registration laws.
** Anger Over Corruption & Unemployment**
While the ban ignited the protests, deeper frustrations over institutional corruption, nepotism, and youth unemployment fueled the movement further.
** Attempt to Enter Parliament**
Protesters broke through security and stormed the Parliament premises in Kathmandu, leading to dramatic escalations and emergency responses.
** Violent Clashes Erupt**
There were intense confrontations between protesters and security forces across several cities. Stone pelting and physical altercations were widely reported.
** Harsh Police Crackdown**
Police used batons (lathicharge), tear gas, water cannons, and in some cases, live fire to suppress the crowd. These aggressive tactics were heavily criticized.
** Deaths and Injuries**
The protests turned deadly, with at least 19–20 protesters killed in clashes, and over 300 injured, marking one of the bloodiest civil uprisings in Nepal’s recent history.
** Curfews Imposed in Key Cities**
In response, the government imposed curfews in central Kathmandu, especially around New Baneshwor, and also in Pokhara, to contain the unrest.
** Army Deployed**
The situation grew so serious that the Nepalese Army was deployed alongside the police in sensitive zones, a rare move in civil protests.
** Ban Lifted After Pressure**
After intense public pressure and international scrutiny, the government lifted the social media ban, with Minister Gurung announcing the rollback in a late-night press briefing following an emergency cabinet meeting.