Nepal lifts ban on social media after deadly protests

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM

Nepal lifts ban on social media after deadly protests

Bangla Press Desk: Nepal rolled back its social media ban on Tuesday, a day after at least 19 people were killed in protests demanding the government lift its restrictions and tackle corruption. All major social media apps were working, an AFP reporter in Kathmandu said. Nepal's Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung was quoted by local media as saying that the government has withdrawn its ban following an emergency cabinet meeting. Following the violence, home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned at a cabinet meeting in the evening, local media reported. The UN has demanded a swift probe into the killings of at least 19 demonstrators after receiving some “deeply worrying” reports.

Several social media sites – including Facebook, YouTube and X – was inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused, leading to Monday’s demonstrations. We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here," said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24. "We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal." Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and batons when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire and tried to storm into a restricted area near parliament.

On top of the 19 protesters killed, the violence left 400 others, including 100 policemen, injured, according to the Kathmandu valley police. "I had been there for a peaceful protest, but the government used force," said Iman Magar, 20, who was hit in his right arm. "It was not a rubber bullet but a metallic one, and it took away a part of my hand. The doctor says I need to undergo an operation." The United Nations demanded a swift and transparent probe of the deaths from the use of “disproportionate force” by police.

"We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement. "We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces." Amnesty International said live ammunition had been used against protesters. 'Want to see change' Demonstrators started their protest with the national anthem before chanting against the social media stoppage and corruption.

Student Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting the "authoritarian attitude" of the government. "We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation," she told AFP. There have been several corruption cases reported in the last few years involving ministers, former ministers and other high-profile officials. Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating. "There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they are afraid that might happen here as well," said protester Bhumika Bharati. Violent protests driven by discontent over inequality and lavish perks for lawmakers have rocked Indonesia in recent weeks. A year ago, a student-led popular uprising over job quotas ousted the longtime leader of Bangladesh. Nepal's cabinet decided last month to give the affected social media firms seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact and designate resident grievance and compliance officers. In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to "creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use". Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past. The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering. It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.] BP/TD

Nepal lifts ban on social media after deadly protests

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