Kathmandu: Nepal’s government has lifted a controversial social media ban that sparked nationwide unrest and left at least 19 people dead, even as curfews remain in force across several cities to prevent further violence.
The ban, imposed last week, restricted access to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X after the government insisted that all digital services must register locally to operate. While officials justified the move as a step to curb misinformation and ensure accountability, critics denounced it as a direct attack on free expression. Platforms like TikTok and Viber, which complied with registration rules, had remained accessible during the ban.
The sweeping restrictions provoked a powerful backlash, led largely by young people in what has been dubbed the “Gen Z protests.” Demonstrators marched in Kathmandu and other cities, demanding an end to corruption and greater digital freedoms. The protests escalated on Monday when thousands of demonstrators attempted to breach barricades near the parliament building. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and in some cases live ammunition, resulting in 19 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Amid growing public anger, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking responsibility for the violent crackdown. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, addressing the nation, admitted that “ambiguity” in the government’s handling of the ban had fueled the crisis. He announced that an inquiry commission would investigate the unrest and present findings within 15 days. The government also pledged compensation for victims’ families and free medical treatment for those injured.
The protests mark one of the most serious challenges to Oli’s administration in recent years, underscoring the widening divide between Nepal’s younger generation and political leadership. Demonstrators accuse the government of failing to address systemic corruption, unemployment, and lack of opportunities, while also attempting to silence dissent through digital controls.
Curfews remain in Kathmandu and other cities including Birgunj, Pokhara, and Itahari, as authorities work to prevent renewed unrest. Despite the lifting of the ban, tensions remain high, with youth leaders vowing to continue pressing for broader reforms.
Observers say the events in Nepal highlight a growing global trend in which governments impose sweeping restrictions on digital platforms in the name of regulation. Human rights groups have urged Nepal to uphold free speech protections and ensure that its future digital policies are transparent and democratic.
The coming weeks will be critical, as the results of the official investigation and the government’s next steps could determine whether the protests subside or evolve into a broader movement demanding deeper political reforms.