Nepal’s Gen Z Protests Turn Deadly Over Social Media Ban

• At least 19 people died in Nepal as youth-led protests erupted over a government-imposed social media ban and long-standing corruption concerns.

Social Media Ban Sparks Nationwide Unrest

Nepal witnessed its most severe civil unrest in decades as thousands of young protesters took to the streets on Monday. The demonstrations were triggered by a government decision to block access to 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, citing non-compliance with registration laws. Officials claimed the ban aimed to curb misinformation, hate speech, and online fraud, but critics viewed it as a move to suppress dissent. With nearly 90% of the population online, the shutdown quickly escalated tensions among digitally active youth.

In Kathmandu, protesters breached barricades around the parliament complex, setting fire to an ambulance and clashing with riot police. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, leading to over 100 injuries, including 28 police personnel. Two additional deaths occurred in the eastern city of Itahari as violence spread. Demonstrators used motorcycles to transport the wounded to hospitals, underscoring the chaotic nature of the response.

Political Fallout and Youth Discontent

Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned following the violence, citing moral responsibility for the loss of life. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting but maintained support for the ban, framing it as a regulatory necessity. Protesters, many in school uniforms, carried placards demanding an end to corruption and the restoration of social media access. Organizers described the movement as a “Gen Z protest,” reflecting widespread frustration with governance and economic stagnation.

Human Rights Watch urged the government to prioritize dialogue over force, warning against viewing the protests solely through a law enforcement lens. The organization emphasized that the demonstrations stem from deep-rooted dissatisfaction with nepotism and poor public accountability. Similar rallies occurred in cities like Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Bharatpur, indicating the scale of discontent. Despite curfews and military deployment, protesters continued to occupy areas near parliament into the evening.

Broader Context and Global Parallels

Nepal’s political instability has persisted since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008, with 14 governments failing to complete full terms. Economic challenges remain unresolved, prompting thousands of young Nepalis to seek opportunities abroad. Former finance secretary Rameshwore Khanal noted that public anger is fueled more by questionable appointments and perceived impunity than by job scarcity alone. The Oli administration insists the economy is recovering due to corrective measures, though skepticism remains.

Globally, governments are increasingly regulating social media platforms amid concerns over misinformation and digital safety. Nepal’s ban aligns with this trend but raises questions about freedom of expression and democratic accountability. Critics argue that such restrictions risk silencing legitimate criticism, while regulators defend them as necessary for public order. The events in Nepal highlight the delicate balance between digital governance and civil liberties in an era of online activism.