Nepal Protests: At least 14 people lost their lives and dozens were injured in Nepal on Monday as widespread demonstrations erupted over the government’s move to ban popular social media platforms. The violence, led largely by young protesters, forced authorities to impose curfew orders in Kathmandu and call in the army to restore order.
The violent demonstrations rocked Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal following the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and Snapchat. The unrest escalated after thousands of students and young demonstrators under the banner of “Gen Z” marched towards Parliament, shouting anti-government slogans and demanding an immediate withdrawal of the social media ban. Eyewitnesses told local outlets that some protesters breached the Parliament premises, prompting police to use batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to push them back.
According to The Himalayan Times and The Kathmandu Post, hospital records confirmed that 14 people died in the capital. The fatalities included six at Trauma Centre, three each at Civil Hospital and Everest Hospital, one at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), and one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
Several journalists, including Dipendra Dhungana of Naya Patrika, Umesh Karki of Nepal Press and Shyam Shrestha of Kantipur Television, were hit by rubber bullets and are undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital, The Himalayan Times reported.
Videos of the violent clashes between police and agitators surfaced, showing tense scenes. Protesters were seen vandalising the Parliament gate as the protest turned violent in the capital city.
Police covered with shields were seen firing rubber bullets at the protestors.
A protester told ANI, “A while ago, the police fired bullets which did not hit me but hit a friend of mine standing behind me. He was shot in the hand. The firing is still going on and we can hear gunfire from inside the parliament as well. My friend, who was standing on the road, was shot in the head. The police are firing indiscriminately, aiming above the knees. Are they allowed to do this?…”
“We were planning to hold a peaceful protest, but as we advanced further, we could see the violence by the police. The police are firing on the people, which is against the essence of peaceful protest. Those who are sitting in power cannot impose their power on us. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which is against the freedom of speech and the right to expression. The Police have been firing at protestors,” another protestor remarked.
Nepal: Protests Spread Beyond Kathmandu, Curfew Imposed
In Damak, demonstrators marched from Damak Chowk to the municipal office, burning an effigy of Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and attempting to storm the gates. Police opened fire with rubber bullets, critically injuring one protester, according to The Himalayan Times. Several motorcycles were set ablaze, and protesters hurled teargas shells back at security personnel who had retreated into defensive positions.
A spokesperson for Nepal Police said that 42 people, including two security personnel, were injured and taken to Civil Hospital for treatment. However, The Himalayan Times noted that the total number of injured could not be verified as hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of patients.
Military officials confirmed the deployment of army personnel across Kathmandu to quell the protests. Following the clashes, the local administration enforced a curfew in several areas around the Parliament building from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal issued a notice prohibiting gatherings, marches, or sit-ins within the restricted zones. The order was later extended to cover areas near Rastrapati Bhawan, the Vice-President’s residence, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Nepal: Public Outcry Over Social Media Ban Garners Celebrity Support
The Oli-led government last Thursday announced a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, and YouTube, citing failure to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology before the deadline. While the government maintained that the decision was aimed at bringing these platforms under regulatory compliance, many citizens fear the move curtails free expression and paves the way for censorship.
While platforms such as Viber, TikTok, Wetalk and Nimbuzz are registered in Nepal, popular apps like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp remain unregistered, prompting the government to block access.
The move has drawn widespread anger, particularly among the youth, who accuse the authorities of silencing dissent while ignoring deep-rooted corruption. Nepalese actor Hari Bansha Acharya voiced support on Facebook, saying: “Today’s youth do more than just think—they ask questions. Why did this road collapse? Who is accountable? This is not a voice against the system but against those who misuse it.”
Singer and actor Prakash Saput also backed the protesters, reportedly sending NRs 25,000 each to two brothers participating in the demonstrations, advising them to stay hydrated and use the money to support fellow demonstrators, The Kathmandu Post reported.
Earlier, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli defended the action on Sunday, declaring that his administration would “always oppose anomalies and arrogance, and would never accept any act that undermines the nation”. He added that his party is “not against social media, but what cannot be accepted is those doing business in Nepal, making money, and yet not complying with the law.”
Oli further dismissed critics of the ban as “puppets who only oppose for the sake of opposing”.
