Anti-government protests in Kathmandu, sparked by a ban on social media platforms like Facebook and widespread political corruption, have turned deadly, with local media reporting that the death toll has now risen to 19 in Kathmandu and Itahari. Dozens more have been injured after police used force to control demonstrators.
The protests, primarily led by young people, have taken place in major cities across the country, including Pokhara and Itahari, where curfews have also been imposed. In Kathmandu, clashes with police escalated when protesters entered a restricted area near the Federal Parliament building in New Baneshwor. Some protesters reportedly vandalized and set fire to parts of the Federal Parliament complex, leading to a tense situation where police deployed force.
Approximately 200 people were injured, with many being treated for rubber bullet wounds. Among the injured were two photojournalists, Dipendra Dhungana and Umesh Karki, who were hit in the head by rubber bullets while documenting the protests.
In response to the escalating violence and heightened tensions, local authorities have imposed a curfew in several areas of Kathmandu. The curfew covers sensitive locations, including the Parliament building, the President’s residence, the Vice President’s office, the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, and surrounding areas of Baneshwor. The Nepali Army has also been deployed to the streets.
The protests were a large-scale demonstration against the social media ban and political corruption. Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, along with various political leaders and artists, expressed solidarity with the protesters.
Last week, the Nepal government decided to block all social media platforms not registered within the country, including Facebook. The government had previously given social media platforms a one-week “final” deadline to register. This directive was based on the Social Media Usage Management Directive issued in November 2023.
Under this directive, both domestic and foreign companies must submit their articles of association, registration certificates, latest tax clearance certificates, details of the board of directors, privacy policy, data usage policy, information security policy, and a grievance redressal process.
Users, already familiar with VPNs from a previous ban on TikTok, are using them to bypass the restrictions.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
