Kathmandu – Nepal has lifted a nationwide ban on social media following protests that left at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The unrest began after the government blocked 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, citing concerns over fake news, hate speech and online fraud. The ban came amid a social media campaign exposing the wealth and alleged corruption of politicians’ children, popularly known as the “nepo kid” movement.
Thousands of young people took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday, storming parliament and demanding an end to corruption and government overreach. Several districts, including the capital, were placed under curfew as clashes with police escalated. Protesters also targeted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s house in Damak, throwing stones.
Police responded with water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Prime Minister Oli said he was deeply saddened by the violence and attributed the events to infiltration by vested interest groups. The government announced it would set up a panel to investigate the protests, provide financial relief to the families of the deceased and cover medical treatment for those injured.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned following criticism of the authorities’ handling of the protests. Officials said the social media ban was lifted late Monday night after an emergency meeting aimed at addressing the demands of Nepal’s youth, known as Generation Z.
Protesters, however, told reporters the demonstrations were about more than the ban. Sabana Budathoki said the main concern was corruption and called on the government to restore accountability.
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