Nepal recently lifted its controversial social media ban just one day after a series of protests resulted in tragic violence, culminating in the deaths of at least 19 individuals due to security forces’ actions. The demonstrations were primarily focused on the issues of internet restrictions and government corruption, highlighting a growing discontent among the populace regarding the current administration’s actions.
According to police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal, the unrest in Kathmandu was marked by the deployment of heavy-handed tactics, including live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, as citizens attempted to breach barriers leading to Parliament. Tragically, 17 fatalities occurred in the capital, with additional casualties reported in the eastern Sunsari district. Amidst the chaos, approximately 400 individuals were injured, including over 100 police officers.
In the aftermath of the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, reflecting the increasing pressure on the government to address the public’s grievances. Young demonstrators like Iman Magar have shared distressing accounts of their experiences during the protests. Magar, 20, described being struck not by a rubber bullet, but a metallic one, resulting in severe injuries requiring surgical intervention.
Medical facilities in Kathmandu grappled with the fallout from the protests, with Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at the Civil Service Hospital, revealing the challenges faced by healthcare providers on that distressing day, which included the infiltration of tear gas into hospital areas.
The decision to impose a social media ban has fueled substantial backlash, especially among younger generations who rely on these platforms for communication, news, and entertainment. Advocacy groups like Amnesty International condemned the use of live ammunition against protesters, and the United Nations has called for a comprehensive investigation into the events. The Kathmandu Post emphasized the broader implications of this issue, framing it as a struggle for trust, integrity, and generational expression: “For Gen Z, digital freedom equates to personal freedom, making the denial of access feel akin to silencing their voices.”
Nepal has a history of implementing temporary restrictions on online platforms, having blocked Telegram earlier this year due to fraud concerns, and lifting a nine-month ban on TikTok in August after the company agreed to comply with local regulations. The recent events reflect a growing sentiment in Nepal that embraces the need for digital connectivity as essential to democratic engagement and personal expression.
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