By Atoyebi Nike
At least ten people were killed and nearly 90 others injured in Kathmandu on Monday after police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse protests against Nepal’s ban on social media platforms and growing corruption.
Authorities had blocked 26 unregistered platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, leaving millions of users cut off since Friday. The decision sparked outrage, with students and young demonstrators waving national flags, singing the anthem, and chanting against what they described as authoritarian restrictions.
The protests escalated when crowds pushed past barricades near parliament. Police baton-charged demonstrators, some of whom climbed walls into restricted areas. A curfew was later imposed around key government buildings, including the prime minister’s office and the president’s residence.
Hospital officials reported difficulties treating the wounded as tear gas seeped into medical facilities. “I have never seen such a disturbing situation,” said Civil Hospital information officer Ranjana Nepal.
Protesters insist the movement goes beyond digital freedoms. “We were triggered by the social media ban, but we are also fighting corruption that has been institutionalised,” said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24. Another demonstrator, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, accused the government of displaying an “authoritarian attitude,” vowing change must come with her generation.
The government said the ban followed a Supreme Court ruling requiring companies to register locally and appoint compliance officers. Officials insisted they respected freedom of expression while seeking regulation. Nepal has previously restricted platforms, including Telegram and TikTok, though bans were later lifted after compliance.
