Gen-Z protests over social media ban leave 20 dead in Nepal: Home Minister quits

KATHMANDU: Hundreds of thousands of Gen Z, angered by the ban on social media in Nepal, took to the streets to protest against the government. 20 people were killed in security forces firing on a march to parliament. The army was deployed, including in the capital. Educational institutions were closed indefinitely. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking responsibility for the breakdown in law and order.

Protesters allege that the social media ban is a cover-up for corruption and misrule. Protesters pelted stones at Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's house at Damak. Security forces opened fire on protesters who had attempted to set fire to the Parliament gate, following a period of heavy resistance, including tear gas and lathi charges. More than 250 people were injured. Many are in critical condition. Media workers are reported to be among the injured.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets, singing the national anthem and carrying national flags. The protests spread to major cities like Biratnagar, Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Batwal, and Chitwan. The protests turned into a Gen Z riot against the corruption of the coalition government led by Communist leader K.P. Sharma Oli, who became Prime Minister for the third time last year.

Footage of the army confronting the protesters has emerged. The situation remains tense. Curfew has been imposed in areas where the offices and residences of dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister, are located.

26 platforms including YouTube and Facebook banned

• The Supreme Court had ruled that restrictions can be imposed to prevent misuse of social media in a way that is harmful to national security. Based on this, a law was implemented requiring social media platforms to be registered in Nepal. The deadline was from August 28 to September 4.
• It was stipulated that such media outlets should include a government spokesperson and a Nepali national in the grievance redressal committee. 26 platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and WhatsApp did not complete the steps accordingly. With this, the ban was imposed.
• TikTok, Viber, Nimbus, Poppo Live, etc. met the conditions. These are not banned. Applications from Telegram and others are being examined. Telegram was banned in July, citing online fraud and money laundering. TikTok was banned, but it was approved in August after it met the conditions.
• The youth, who were doing business through social media, were protesting after their income suddenly stopped. The government has repeatedly stated that it will lift the ban if social media companies comply with the conditions, but the anger of the youth is not subsiding.

Facebook users in Nepal: 1.35 crore

Instagram: 3.6 lakh