Nepal’s Gen Z Protests: 19 Killed Amid Social Media Ban

Nepal has found itself at the center of global attention following the violent protests by Generation Z against the government’s controversial social media ban and allegations of widespread corruption. The unrest, which has gripped the nation, has left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured as demonstrators clashed with police forces in the capital, Kathmandu, and other parts of the country.

The Spark: Social Media Ban and Growing Frustrations

The protests erupted after the Nepali government enacted a ban on 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, citing concerns over fake news, hate speech, and online fraud. According to BBC, the ban, implemented last week, aimed to enforce regulations requiring these platforms to register locally and appoint liaison offices in Nepal. However, critics have labeled the move as an authoritarian attempt to suppress dissent and curtail freedom of speech.

For many young Nepalese, this ban served as the tipping point. With platforms like Instagram and YouTube deeply integrated into their lives for news, business, and entertainment, the restrictions were seen as a direct attack on their way of life. Placards during the protests read slogans such as “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Unban social media,” illustrating the dual grievances of censorship and government corruption.

Sabana Budathoki, a protester interviewed by BBC, noted, “Rather than the social media ban, everyone’s focus is on corruption. We came to stop corruption and take our country back.”

Violence Erupts in Kathmandu

The demonstrations turned violent as thousands of protesters gathered near the Parliament building in Kathmandu on Monday, September 8. According to The Independent, tensions escalated when protesters broke through barricades and entered restricted areas around the Parliament. Riot police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets, leading to clashes that left 19 dead and over 145 injured.

One eyewitness told ANI News, “The police fired indiscriminately. Bullets missed me but hit my friend standing behind me.” Protesters also set vehicles ablaze, including an ambulance, and hurled objects at security forces. Police spokesman Shekhar Khanal confirmed that 17 of the fatalities occurred in the Kathmandu Valley alone.

The violence has drawn widespread condemnation, with the United Nations calling for a swift and transparent investigation. UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani stated, “We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt investigation.”

Political Fallout and International Attention

The protests have had significant political repercussions. On the same day, Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, a member of the ruling Nepali Congress party, resigned, citing moral responsibility for the escalating violence. According to Economic Times, Lekhak’s resignation underscores the growing instability within the coalition government.

The international community has taken note of the crisis. Rights groups have criticized the social media ban as a tool for censorship, while global media outlets have highlighted the broader frustrations of Nepal’s youth. Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010, has become a potent political force, leveraging their numbers to demand systemic reforms and greater accountability from the government.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Nepal’s history of political instability and corruption has set the stage for these protests. In recent years, the government has faced mounting criticism for failing to address economic challenges, unemployment, and infrastructure development. The social media ban is not the first of its kind; in 2023, the government temporarily banned TikTok, accusing it of spreading “indecent material” and disrupting social harmony.

The current protests have exposed deep-seated frustrations among Nepal’s youth, who see little progress in the nation’s governance. Experts warn that unless the government takes meaningful steps to address these grievances, the unrest could escalate further.

As Nepal grapples with the fallout, the protests serve as a stark reminder of the power of youth movements in shaping political discourse. Whether the government will heed their calls for change remains to be seen.

The tragic events in Nepal highlight the delicate balance between governance and freedom. As the nation mourns its losses, the voices of its youth demand a future free from corruption and censorship.