Social media ban in Nepal: 19 killed as youths clash with police; home minister resigns

Nepal’s home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday, submitting his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during a cabinet meeting held at PM's official residence in Baluwatar. His resignation came on a day when thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets of Kathmandu to protest against the government’s move to ban 26 social media platforms. According to Himalayan Times news agency, clashes between protesters and police left 19 people dead and more than 300 others injured. The demonstrations, largely driven by the youth, erupted after the controversial decision was announced, with police resorting to firing at multiple locations to disperse crowds.The India-Nepal border has been put on alert amid ongoing protests in Nepal, ANI reported, citing sources. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which guards the border, has stepped up vigilance and is closely monitoring developments to prevent any spillover of unrest into Indian territory. Officials stressed that the alert is “preventive in nature” and that the situation remains under control.From 9 am on Monday, demonstrators assembled at Maitighar in Kathmandu to express their dissent. In recent days, hashtags like #NepoKid and #NepoBabies have been trending online, gaining traction after the government blocked unregistered social media platforms, as reported by Kathmandu post.Also read: Nepal protests: The deadly GenZ outrage & viral 'nepo kids' trend - explained According to the Kathmandu District Administration Office, the rally was organised by Hami Nepal, which had obtained prior approval.Protesters carried placards carrying slogans such as "Shut down corruption and not social media", "Unban social media", and "Youths against corruption", as they marched through Kathmandu, as reported by news agency Reuters. Multiple clips from the protest went viral, showing large crowds waving the national flag and singing the anthem before marching toward the parliamentary complex. Posts suggested police fired tear gas and used water cannons as some demonstrators tried to storm the Parliament gate.After the rally began, students and young professionals gathered in central Kathmandu. Waving national flags, they sang the national anthem before chanting slogans against the restrictions and corruption in public life, news agency AFP reported.Protesters described the ban as a “direct assault on speech, work and connectivity,” saying it has cut off vital tools for communication, news, entertainment and small businesses.Several participants said the protests went beyond the blackout.“We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal,” said Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student.Another demonstrator, 20-year-old student Ikshama Tumrok, said the government’s move reflected an “authoritarian attitude.” “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told news agency AFP quoted.Videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the luxury lifestyles of politicians’ children have gone viral on TikTok, one of the few major platforms still operating in Nepal.“There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.19 killed, several injured as police open fire in New Baneshwar protestsAt least 19 protesters were killed and around 42 others injured after police opened fire during demonstrations in New Baneshwar on Monday. The deceased, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, executive director Mohan Chandra Regmi said. Dozens of injured demonstrators are being treated at Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, and other nearby medical facilities. Activist Ronesh Pradhan said the organisation Hami Nepal has set up a first-aid camp at Maitighar, where six to seven protesters are also receiving treatment, according to Kathmandu Post. The situation escalated after protesters breached the restricted zone and stormed the Parliament premises, prompting police to respond with water cannons, tear gas and live ammunition. The local administration has imposed curfew orders in parts of Kathmandu, while demonstrations spread to other major cities across Nepal.Also read | Nepal clashes: Demonstrators were planning to hold peaceful protest; police ‘shot friend in the head’ The situation escalated after demonstrators breached the restricted zone and stormed the Parliament premises, triggering a heavy police crackdown with water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition. In response, the local administration imposed curfew orders in several parts of Kathmandu as protests spread to other major cities across Nepal.The Kathmandu District Administration Office has extended the curfew after Gen Z protesters clashed with police while opposing government corruption and the recent social media ban. The curfew, initially imposed in parts of Baneshwar after protesters broke into a restricted area, now covers a wider zone, including the President’s residence in Shital Niwas, Maharajgunj, the vice-president’s residence in Lainchaur, all sides of Singha Durbar, the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding areas. Authorities said the move was aimed at preventing further unrest and ensuring security in sensitive government locations. The order, issued by Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act, is in effect from 12.30 pm to 10 pm, barring movement, gatherings, demonstrations or encirclements within the restricted zones.The blackout, which began Friday, came after the government ordered 26 platforms to be blocked nationwide for failing to register locally. The list includes Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Reddit and several others.The cabinet meeting chaired by Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, gave companies seven days to comply with requirements: register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a grievance-handling officer, designate a compliance officer, and set up a point of contact in Nepal.While some platforms such as TikTok, Viber, Wetalk and Nimbuzz have registered, and Telegram and Global Diary are in the process of doing so, major global services have yet to initiate the registration process. Officials said access would be restored once platforms complied with Nepali regulations.The move followed a Supreme Court order in September 2024, nearly five years after writ petitions were filed seeking regulation of advertisements and content broadcast via unlicensed social media platforms, OTT apps and browsers. A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa ruled in favour of stricter oversight.Nepal’s social media blackout comes at a time when governments across the world, including the US, EU, Brazil, India, China, and Australia are tightening oversight of social media and Big Tech amid rising concerns over misinformation, data privacy, online safety and national security.Read | Nepal protests: GenZs revolt against social media ban turns violent - 10 things to know