Nepal lifts social media ban after at least 19 die, 145 injured protesting prohibition

Nepal’s government lifted a social media ban on Monday after violent protests erupted over the restriction, leaving 19 dead and 145 injured, per state-run news. The ban, imposed Thursday, targeted platforms like Facebook and X for not registering with authorities, aiming to curb dissent.

In Kathmandu, protesters, mostly Gen Z, clashed with police near Parliament, prompting army deployment and a curfew. “Revoke the ban, restore our voice!” read their pamphlets. Police used tear gas and fired into the air, escalating tensions.

Prime Minister Oli claimed the ban followed a court order, citing “misunderstanding among the Gen Z generation.” Home Minister Lekhak resigned, accepting moral responsibility for the violence. A committee will investigate the deaths.

“They come and do business in our country, take away billions of rupees,” said Information Minister Gurung, defending the ban. Protests also reflected anger over corruption and economic stagnation, fueling calls to restore Nepal’s monarchy, abolished in 2008.

A Discord user wrote, “As a so-called government, you should have had the guts to accept the protest in any form.” The ban’s lifting followed public outrage over the deadly crackdown, exposing the regime’s authoritarian tactics.