Nepal has lifted its ban on social media after violent protests left at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The unrest was triggered by the government’s decision to block 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Officials had argued the move was aimed at curbing fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.
However, many young people saw the ban as an attack on their freedom. The protests, which began in Kathmandu on Monday, quickly escalated as thousands stormed parliament. Police used water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while some demonstrators hurled stones at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s house in Damak. Several districts are now under curfew.
The demonstrations followed the rise of the “nepo kid” campaign on social media, which criticised the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children and alleged corruption. Protesters carried signs reading “enough is enough” and “end corruption,” saying their anger went far beyond the social media restrictions.
Prime Minister Oli expressed sorrow over the casualties, blaming “vested interest groups” for inflaming the violence. He announced a panel to investigate the protests and promised compensation for victims’ families as well as free medical treatment for the injured.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned late Monday after facing backlash over the heavy-handed police response. The government reversed the ban after an emergency meeting, with a minister saying the decision was made to meet the demands of Gen Z.
