Nepal’s government has reversed its ban on 26 popular social media apps and messaging services after protests led to at least 19 deaths and more than 200 injuries.
The country’s communication minister announced the decision just hours after demonstrators surged toward the parliament in Kathmandu to protest the ban.
Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said, “We have lifted the social media shutdown. The services are now working again.”
Thousands of young Nepalese, mainly from Gen Z, protested across the country on Monday. While the social media ban sparked the protests, participants also expressed frustration over government corruption and poor economic opportunities.
“We are protesting against corruption that has become part of Nepal’s system,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari.
In Kathmandu, protesters broke through barricades at the parliament, set fire to an ambulance, and clashed with police.
Authorities used water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets, while the army was deployed and a curfew imposed. Protests also occurred in smaller cities, resulting in similar clashes.
Amnesty International reported that live ammunition was used, causing deaths and severe injuries among protesters. Police confirmed 19 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
Amnesty stated, “Law enforcement should only use force when absolutely necessary, and it must be proportionate to the situation.”
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed sadness over the violence, blaming “interference from selfish interests.” The home minister resigned following the deaths.
The government formed a committee to investigate the incidents and promised compensation for families of the deceased and free medical care for those injured.
Even after the social media ban was lifted, anti-corruption protests continued late into Monday night and Tuesday morning. Protesters carried signs reading “youths against corruption.”
Student Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was demonstrating against the government’s authoritarian attitude, with the social media ban being one example of its overreach.
Last month, the government required social media companies to register under new rules, including appointing local grievance and compliance officers.
Major platforms such as Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Tencent, Snapchat, Pinterest, and X missed the registration deadline and were blocked.
Authorities said social media users were creating fake accounts to spread false information, commit fraud, and incite violence.
