Kathmandu: Violent clashes erupted outside Nepal’s parliament on Monday as thousands of young protesters, largely students and members of Generation Z, rallied against the government’s decision to block major social media platforms and voiced deep frustrations over widespread corruption.

The demonstrations escalated when protesters attempted to breach police barricades and enter the parliamentary compound. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, baton charges, and even aerial firing to disperse the crowds. Authorities later imposed a curfew around the parliament area, extending restrictions to nearby zones including the presidential residence and New Baneshwor.

The protests were triggered by the government’s move to block platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube after they failed to register with authorities under a newly introduced regulation. Officials defended the measure as an attempt to combat misinformation, fake accounts, hate speech, and online fraud. Rights groups and critics, however, denounced it as censorship aimed at silencing dissent.

Casualty figures from the unrest remain unclear. While some reports stated that no deaths had been confirmed, others suggested at least one fatality along with dozens of injuries. Numbers varied from nine injured to more than 80 hurt in the clashes, reflecting the fluid and chaotic situation.

Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Shut down corruption and not social media” and “Unban social media.” Many participants insisted their demands went beyond restoring digital platforms, highlighting broader frustrations over institutionalized corruption in Nepal.

“We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. Another protester, 20-year-old student Ikshama Tumrok, added, “We want to see change… it has to end with our generation.”

The government’s firm stance on the social media ban has fueled criticism that it is using digital oversight as a pretext for political control. The scale of the protests, led primarily by Nepal’s youth, underscores growing tensions between state authority and demands for freedom of expression.

As the situation continues to unfold, Nepal faces one of its most significant youth-led movements in recent years, raising questions about the government’s ability to manage dissent while addressing the public’s growing calls for accountability and transparency.