Nepal witnessed a large-scale protest conflict today (September 8th), resulting in at least 19 deaths. In the capital, Kathmandu, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd attempting to storm the parliament. The majority of the demonstrators were young people, expressing anger and dissatisfaction towards the social media censorship and corruption issues.
According to a local official, some individuals broke through barriers to enter the parliament premises, even setting an ambulance on fire and throwing objects at riot police. A protester informed the Asian News International (ANI) that police fired at him, accidentally hitting his friend standing behind him.
Police official Shekhar Khanal disclosed to Reuters that over 100 people, including 28 police officers, were injured and are receiving treatment. In the eastern city of Itahari, clashes intensified, resulting in two more fatalities.
Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting on the same day to discuss the conflict.
Tens of thousands of young people, including students in school uniforms and college attire, took to the streets earlier in the day, holding banners that read “End corruption, not social media” and “Lift the social media ban”.
Protest organizers refer to this nationwide movement as “Generation Z protest”. A protester stated, “This is the protest of Nepal’s new generation.”
The protest stemmed from the government’s decision last week to block several social media platforms, including Facebook. About 90% of Nepal’s population are internet users. The government argued that these platforms were unregistered, and the ban was imposed to combat fake accounts, hate speech, and fraud.
Muktiram Rijal, spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office, told Reuters that security forces were authorized to use water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets, with the military deployed in the parliament area. A curfew was extended to the Prime Minister’s office and government buildings, lasting until 10 PM. While violence slightly eased that night, protesters continued to gather outside the parliament.
Similar protests also occurred in cities like Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara. Many Nepalese citizens believe corruption is rampant, with the opposition criticizing the Oli government for failing to deliver on anti-corruption promises and address economic challenges.
Former finance secretary Rameshwore Khanal pointed out that the lack of job opportunities is one aspect, but the public is more disappointed by the government appointments and corruption issues.
The controversy over the social media ban coincides with many countries globally intensifying regulation of tech platforms. Critics fear that the ban suppresses freedom of speech, yet authorities emphasize that stricter controls are to protect users and maintain social order.