At least 19 people have died, and many more have been injured after protests erupted in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The demonstration began as a protest against political corruption and the government’s decision to ban popular social media platforms. However, the situation quickly became serious when protesters clashed with police and security forces.
Thousands of young people, calling themselves Generation Z, gathered near the country’s Parliament building. They had concerns about the ban and social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and what they say is white in the government. Many protesters carried signs saying “enough is enough” and “end to corruption”. Others said they were protesting against the government’s authoritarian attitude, which they feel is limiting their rights.
What Led to the Violence
Nepal’s Minister for Communication, Prithvi Subba, said to reporters that the Police were forced to use water, canals, and bullets to stop the protest from getting too serious. “We had no choice but to act when protests moved into restricted areas,” he said. The police confirmed that 17 people have died in Kathmandu and two more in the eastern city of Itahari.
The government argues that it needs to regulate social media platforms to prevent fake news, hate speech and online scams. But many Napoli rely on these platforms not only for entertainment, but also for business and news. As the protests grew, some demonstrators even climbed security walls and tried to enter the restricted area close to parliament. Then, dear gas and water cans were used, and many were injured. Medical staff at a hospital reported struggling to take care of the wounded as tear gas entered the hospital itself.
Aftermath and Global Reaction
After the violence, curfew was imposed in parts of Kathmandu. Soldiers were deployed to help and enforce the order. On Monday evening at Nepal’s Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak, resigned from his post during a cabinet meeting. Some reports suggest that he stepped down from the modern crowns because of the deaths.
The United Nations human rights office has called for a prompt and transparent investigation into the killings. Ravina Shamdasani, the UN spokesperson, said that authorities had received “several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or inappropriate use of force by security forces.” The UN also urged the government to review its social media ban.
The Nepal Government maintained that it is not banning social media, but it is enforcing the country‘s laws. Last week, authorities ordered 26 platforms to register with the ministry or face a block. Since then, users have faced difficulties assessing the services, although some have used VPNs to bypass the restrictions. The protest showed deep dissatisfaction among Nepalese, youth who see corruption and restricted freedom as part of the major problems.
FAQs
- Why are the protests happening in Nepal?
The protests were against corruption in the government and the banning of popular social media platforms used especially by Generation Z.
- How many people have been killed in the Nepal protests?
19 people have died, 17 from Kathmandu and two in Itahari.
- Why did the government ban Social Media?
The government says that it is not banning Social Media, but it is imposing a law to stop fake news, hate speech, and scams.
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