Nepal’s government has lifted a controversial ban on social media after nationwide protests against corruption and censorship spiraled into violent clashes with police, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The protests erupted after authorities last week ordered 26 social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—to be blocked for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Officials said the move was aimed at curbing fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.
But the ban coincided with a viral “nepo kid” campaign that had gained momentum online, highlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and fueling anger over alleged corruption. Critics saw the shutdown as an attempt to silence dissent.
On Monday, thousands of mostly young protesters stormed parliament in Kathmandu, chanting slogans such as “enough is enough” and “end to corruption.” Demonstrators hurled stones at the home of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in his hometown of Damak, while police responded with water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets.
By nightfall, curfews were imposed in several districts. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned amid mounting criticism over the government’s heavy-handed response.
Late Monday, the government announced it was lifting the ban following an emergency meeting. A minister said the decision was made to “address the demands of Gen Z,” whose role in the protests had been decisive.
Prime Minister Oli expressed sorrow over the casualties, blaming the violence on “infiltration by various vested interest groups.” He pledged to establish a panel to investigate the unrest and promised financial relief for families of those killed as well as free treatment for the injured.
For many protesters, however, the issue extends far beyond social media access. “Rather than the ban, I think everyone’s focus is on corruption,” demonstrator Sabana Budathoki told the BBC. “We want our country back. We came to stop corruption.”
The protests mark one of the most serious challenges to Oli’s government in recent years, underscoring deep frustrations among Nepal’s younger generation over corruption, governance, and freedom of expression.
