KATHMANDU – Nepal has lifted its week-long social media ban following nationwide protests that left 19 people dead and over 100 injured, government officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The move comes after massive demonstrations—largely led by young people and dubbed the “Gen Z protests”—erupted in Kathmandu and several other cities in response to the government’s decision to block access to platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
“We have withdrawn the shutdown of social media. They are now operational,” said Cabinet spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.
Protests Sparked by Corruption and Censorship
The protests, which reached a violent peak on Monday, were driven by growing frustration over corruption, lack of job opportunities, and what many young Nepalese see as an out-of-touch leadership. The government’s abrupt decision last week to restrict social media access only intensified public anger.
Demonstrators clashed with police while attempting to breach barricades in central Kathmandu. The protests quickly spread across the country, marking some of the most significant unrest in Nepal in recent years.
Government Response and Investigation
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli expressed sorrow over the violence, attributing the escalation to “infiltration from different selfish centres.” He pledged compensation to the families of those killed and promised free medical care for the injured.
In a late-night televised address, Oli announced the formation of an investigation panel. “This panel will identify the causes, evaluate the damage, and recommend actions within 15 days to prevent such incidents from recurring,” he said.
Why Social Media Was Banned
Authorities initially justified the ban by citing a crackdown on fake accounts, misinformation, and hate speech. Platforms that had not registered with the government were specifically targeted, officials said.
Critics, however, viewed the move as an attempt to stifle dissent—particularly among younger, more digitally connected citizens.
The protests, now known as the “Gen Z movement,” have become a symbol of growing discontent among Nepal’s youth, who say they are fed up with government inaction on corruption and unemployment.
