Deadly clashes in Nepal: 19 killed amid social media ban protests

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

KATHMANDU — At least 19 people have died in clashes between police and security forces during widespread protests in Nepal against the government's ban on social media.

Thousands of protesters, identifying themselves as "Generation Z," gathered outside the parliament building in Kathmandu following a protest call. The Nepalese government had recently blocked multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Prithvi Subba, Nepal’s Minister of Communications, stated that police had to use force to control the protesters. During the clashes, authorities deployed water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets.

The government defended its actions, claiming that regulating social media is essential to curb fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.

Protesters carried posters reading slogans such as "Enough is enough" and "End corruption." Many expressed opposition to what they described as the government's "dictatorial attitude." Some even climbed the parliament wall as tensions escalated.

Kathmandu police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal reported that 17 people were killed in the capital. A curfew has been imposed around the parliament and surrounding areas.

A similar protest occurred in the city of Itahari, where local police confirmed two fatalities.

Authorities have ordered the shutdown of 26 social media platforms, citing non-compliance with registration requirements under Nepalese law.