Nepal’s government has lifted restrictions on nearly two dozen social media platforms after a sweeping ban triggered massive youth-led protests across the country. The demonstrations, which erupted in Kathmandu on Monday, turned deadly, with at least 19 people killed as security forces cracked down.
Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the decision following an emergency cabinet meeting, calling the unrest the nation’s worst in decades. The protests, led largely by Generation Z (ages 13–28), were fueled by anger over widespread corruption, limited economic opportunities, and frustration at government censorship.
The ban—targeting platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube—was initially justified as a measure against fake news and hate speech. However, rights groups condemned it as an assault on free expression.
Violence quickly escalated, with videos showing police deploying water cannons, tear gas, and even live ammunition outside parliament. Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu, while two others died in the eastern city of Itahari, according to hospital officials.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed shock over the deaths and urged an independent investigation, while Amnesty International condemned the use of lethal force against unarmed demonstrators.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said he was “deeply saddened” by the events and claimed the violence was worsened by “vested interest groups.” Despite his statement, critics say his government has long failed to tackle systemic corruption, leaving young Nepalis disillusioned and eager to seek opportunities abroad.
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