At least 14 people were killed and dozens injured in Nepal’s capital on Monday after police opened fire on protesters rallying against the government’s sudden ban on social media platforms. The crackdown marked one of the deadliest clashes in Kathmandu in recent years, as authorities imposed a curfew and deployed the army to restore control.
The demonstration, widely described as a ‘Gen Z protest’, was spearheaded by thousands of youths—many students in school or college uniforms—marching towards Parliament in New Baneshwar. They carried national flags and placards with slogans such as “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Unban social media.”
Deadly Crackdown
According to local hospitals, seven protesters died at the National Trauma Centre, three at Everest Hospital, two at Civil Hospital, and one each at KMC and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Medical officials reported dozens with critical gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Police fired live rounds, rubber bullets, tear gas, and used water cannons after protesters breached barricades around Parliament. Witnesses said an ambulance was set on fire, and some demonstrators briefly entered the parliamentary compound before being forced out.
Authorities confirmed a curfew across central Kathmandu, extending to Singha Durbar, the area housing the prime minister’s office, ministries, and the presidential palace.
Government Response
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli chaired an emergency meeting of the National Security Council at his Baluwatar residence. Officials defended the social media ban, saying platforms had refused to register locally and were being misused for hate speech, fraud, and disinformation.
The government had restricted access to 26 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, sparking widespread anger in a country where nearly 90 percent of the 30 million people are internet users.
Wider Protests
Protests also spread beyond Kathmandu, with reports of demonstrations in Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara. Organisers, under the banner Hami Nepal, had secured prior approval for rallies, but tensions escalated after riot police blocked marchers from entering the parliament zone.
Rising Discontent
The unrest reflects growing frustration with the Oli administration over corruption and unfulfilled promises. Critics argue that the sweeping ban on social media undermines freedom of expression, while officials maintain it is necessary to curb online harms.
As night fell, Kathmandu remained under curfew, with the streets heavily guarded by security forces. The identities of the deceased were not immediately released.
