Nepal has lifted its controversial ban on social media platforms after a week of violent protests led by young demonstrators that left 19 people dead and hundreds more injured. The decision comes amid mounting criticism of the government’s heavy-handed response to the unrest.
The ban, introduced last week, blocked more than two dozen major platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Officials had argued that these companies failed to formally register under new digital compliance rules. But the restrictions sparked immediate outrage, particularly among students and young professionals who saw the move as an attack on free expression.
Protests quickly spread through Kathmandu and other major cities. Thousands of young people, many wearing school uniforms, marched through the streets carrying placards with slogans such as “Stop corruption, not social media.” Demonstrators attempted to break through police barricades around Parliament, prompting security forces to respond with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and eventually live rounds.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli expressed regret over the loss of life but argued that the violence stemmed from “ambiguity” in the way the new rules were communicated. He promised better dialogue with the public while insisting that the government’s intent was to promote accountability, not censorship.
The fallout has already reshaped Nepal’s political landscape. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on moral grounds, and the government has formed a committee to investigate the violence, with a report expected within two weeks. International human rights groups and foreign embassies have condemned the excessive force and called for transparency in the inquiry.
With the ban now lifted, Nepal’s youth activists say the protests reflect deeper frustrations over corruption, unemployment, and lack of political accountability – issues likely to fuel further unrest if left unaddressed.
