Nepal Unrest: Social Media Ban Sparks Deadly Protests, PM Steps Down

Nepal’s political crisis deepened on Tuesday as Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned following violent protests against a short-lived social media ban and rising anger over corruption among the country’s leaders.

19 Killed in Protests Over Social Media Ban

The unrest began when the government blocked Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), and Instagram, citing failure to register under new rules. The decision sparked mass protests led by young people across Kathmandu.

On Monday, police opened fire on demonstrators, killing 19 protesters and injuring dozens. Despite lifting the ban the next day, demonstrations escalated, with crowds setting fire to government buildings, party offices, and even the homes of top leaders.

Prime Minister Oli Steps Down

Facing public fury and growing violence, PM Oli announced his resignation. His home and several residences of senior politicians, including the president and opposition leaders, were attacked.

The airport in Kathmandu was shut down, and army helicopters were deployed to evacuate ministers to safe locations.

Youth-Led Movement: The “Gen Z Protest”

The protests, widely called the “Gen Z Movement”, reflect deep frustration among Nepal’s youth. With youth unemployment at 20%, over 2,000 young Nepalis migrate daily for jobs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Many young citizens accuse leaders’ children — the so-called “Nepo Kids” — of enjoying privileges while ordinary people face poverty and joblessness.

“I am here to protest against massive corruption. For us youth, there is no future left in Nepal,” said student protester Bishnu Thapa Chetri.

Violence Spreads Across Kathmandu

Protesters attacked the Parliament building, burned political party offices, and clashed with security forces despite a city-wide curfew. Schools were shut down, and the capital remained tense.

Chanting slogans such as “Stop killing children, stop corruption, not social media,” protesters demanded justice for those killed and the removal of the government.

Government Promises Investigation

Before stepping down, Oli promised an investigation committee within 15 days and pledged compensation for victims’ families as well as free treatment for the injured.

Doctors at the National Trauma Center reported that several victims were shot in the head and chest, with families anxiously waiting for updates on their loved ones.

Social Media Ban Seen as Censorship

The controversial ban was part of a wider government push to control online platforms through a new bill requiring companies to register locally. Rights groups called the move a direct attack on freedom of speech.

• TikTok and Viber complied with regulations and continued operations.

• Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X did not respond to Nepal’s demands.

• Nepal previously banned TikTok in 2023, but later lifted the restriction after the company agreed to follow local laws.

Global Spotlight on Nepal

The crisis has drawn international attention, with analysts warning that Nepal’s efforts to control social media are part of a global trend to restrict digital freedoms.

As the political situation unfolds, Nepal faces uncertainty, with widespread public anger, economic instability, and rising distrust in its political class.