Nepal plunged into turmoil on Monday after the government’s sudden decision to block 26 popular social media platforms triggered mass demonstrations led largely by Gen Z citizens. The protests, which spread rapidly from Kathmandu to other major cities, turned violent as clashes broke out between police and demonstrators, leaving several people dead and dozens injured.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced the sweeping ban last week, citing non-compliance with new registration requirements and concerns over misinformation, cybercrime, and harmful online content. Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn were blocked, while only a handful such as TikTok, Viber, and OpoLive remain accessible after completing local registration.
Government officials defended the move as a necessary step to regulate the digital space and curb online abuse. However, critics—including journalists, activists, and business owners—warn that the ban undermines freedom of expression, disrupts livelihoods, and isolates Nepal from global communication networks.
The backlash was immediate. On Monday, thousands of young people, many in their teens and twenties, flooded the streets of Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Pokhara, and Bharatpur. Chanting slogans like “Unban social media!” and “Stop corruption, not our voices!”, protesters accused the government of silencing dissent while ignoring deeper issues such as unemployment and corruption.
Tensions escalated near the parliament building in Kathmandu, where demonstrators attempted to break through police barricades. Security forces responded with tear gas, batons, water cannons, and rubber bullets. In some areas, police reportedly fired live rounds to disperse the crowds. Reports on casualties vary—state television confirmed at least one death, while local media outlets suggested the toll could be as high as 10, with dozens more injured.
The government imposed curfews in parts of the capital, deployed army troops to key areas, and restricted public gatherings in an effort to contain the unrest. Despite the heavy security presence, small groups of protesters continued to gather late into the evening, vowing to keep fighting until the ban is lifted.
Analysts say the crisis reflects a growing rift between Nepal’s political establishment and its younger generation. With nearly 90 percent of the population connected to the internet, social media has become a vital tool for communication, business, and civic activism. The sudden restrictions not only threaten digital freedoms but also risk damaging Nepal’s image as a democratic nation in transition.
For now, the country remains tense as both protesters and security forces brace for further confrontations. What began as a regulatory decision has quickly spiraled into a national crisis—one that could reshape the relationship between Nepal’s government and its people in the digital age.
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