At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, after police opened fire on protesters demonstrating against a government ban on social media platforms. The ban, which blocks popular platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, has sparked widespread outrage among young people in Nepal.
The Protest
Tens of thousands of protesters, mostly young people, stormed the streets of Kathmandu, waving Nepal's national flag and chanting slogans against the government's decision. The protesters, who dubbed their movement the "Gen Z protest," demanded the lifting of the ban, citing concerns over freedom of expression and government accountability ¹.
Police Response
Police responded to the protests with force, using water cannons, tear gas, and live rounds to disperse the crowds. Despite being outnumber of the protesters, police retreated behind barbed wire and into the Parliament complex. However, they later resorted to live rounds, triggering panic in the city center.
Government's Stance
The government claims that social media platforms failed to register and submit to government oversight, leading to the ban. The Ministry of Communication stated that more than 20 widely used social networks were repeatedly warned to register locally, but only a few, including TikTok and Viber, have complied.
Casualties and Injuries
According to reports, at least 14 people have been killed, and dozens more wounded. Hospitals in Kathmandu have reported receiving patients with gunshot wounds, and some are in critical condition. The government has imposed a curfew in several parts of the city to restore order ¹ ².
Reactions
The protest, led by young people, has drawn widespread attention and support. Demonstrators carried placards with slogans like "Shut down corruption and not social media" and "Unban social media." The government, however, remains firm in its stance, citing concerns over misuse of social media platforms ².
