Nepal’s government has lifted its controversial ban on major social media platforms after days of violent protests led by young people left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured. The ban, imposed last week, had restricted access to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and more than 20 other platforms, sparking outrage across the country. Only TikTok and Viber had remained accessible because they complied with new registration requirements under the government’s proposed Social Media Bill.
The ban quickly ignited anger among students and the country’s younger generations, who organized demonstrations that grew into what became known as the “Gen Z protests.” Tens of thousands gathered in Kathmandu and other cities, demanding not only the restoration of digital access but also greater transparency and accountability from the government. Protesters saw the restrictions as a direct attack on free expression and a sign of deepening corruption within the state.
Tensions escalated on 8 September when large crowds attempted to march toward Parliament. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition. By the end of the day, at least 19 people had been killed, with dozens more seriously injured in clashes that spread beyond the capital. The violence prompted widespread condemnation at home and abroad, with human rights groups warning of excessive force and state repression.
The fallout was immediate. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned from his post, taking what officials described as moral responsibility for the bloodshed. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, while expressing sorrow over the deaths, blamed “external interference” for fueling unrest. He pledged compensation for victims’ families and promised free medical treatment for the injured, but many protesters and political observers remain skeptical of the government’s narrative.
On 9 September, Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the ban had been lifted, restoring access to the blocked platforms. The government also announced the formation of an investigative commission to examine the causes of the unrest and recommend measures to prevent similar crises in the future. The panel is expected to present its findings within 15 days.
For many, the reversal marks more than just the restoration of online access—it represents a powerful statement of resistance by Nepal’s younger generation. The “Gen Z protests” have not only forced the government to backtrack on a controversial policy but have also highlighted the growing role of youth activism in shaping Nepal’s political future. At a time when digital freedoms and civil liberties are under pressure worldwide, Nepal’s turbulent week has shown just how high the stakes can be when governments clash with a generation raised on connectivity and free expression.
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