Unrest in Nepal Kills at Least 19 Amid Social Media Shutdown. At least 19 people died on Monday during violent protests in Nepal, officials reported. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to stop protesters trying to storm the parliament in Kathmandu. The unrest erupted after the government shut down several social media platforms, angering young people who were also protesting against corruption.
Earlier, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been disqualified from office following a ruling by Thailand’s Constitutional Court.
Protests Turn Violent
Protesters, many of them youths in school or college uniforms, broke through barricades to enter the parliament complex. They set an ambulance on fire and threw objects at riot police guarding the building.
One protester told media, “The police fired bullets that missed me but hit a friend behind me in the hand.” Police officer Shekhar Khanal said over 100 people, including 28 officers, were injured and receiving medical treatment. Protesters helped transport the wounded to hospitals on motorcycles.
In the eastern city of Itahari, two more people died as protests turned violent, police said.
Government Response
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting to address the situation. The government imposed a curfew in Kathmandu’s Singha Durbar area, which includes the prime minister’s office and other government buildings. The curfew will remain in effect until 10 p.m.
Police used water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets to control crowds. The army also deployed troops near the parliament to assist law enforcement.
Youth-Led Protests Spread Across Nepal
Thousands of young people marched through Kathmandu carrying flags and placards. Their slogans included:
- “Shut down corruption and not social media”
- “Unban social media”
- “Youths against corruption”
Protest organizers called the demonstrations “protests by Gen Z,” reflecting young people’s frustration with the government’s failure to tackle corruption and improve economic opportunities.
“This is the protest by the new generation in Nepal,” a protester told media.
Similar protests occurred in Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara.
Social Media Shutdown Sparks Outrage
Nepal’s Gen Z citizens are protesting against the social media ban 🤯
— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) September 8, 2025
Last week, Nepal blocked access to social media platforms like Facebook. Officials said this move was necessary because these platforms had not registered with authorities. The government cited concerns over fake accounts spreading hate speech, misinformation, and fraud.
About 90% of Nepal’s 30 million people use the internet, and the shutdown further fueled public anger.
Corruption & Economic Challenges
Many Nepalis believe corruption remains widespread. The Oli government has faced criticism for not fulfilling promises to fight graft or improve the economy.
Thousands of young Nepalese leave the country annually to seek work or education abroad.
Former finance secretary Rameshwore Khanal noted that the public’s anger is less about job creation and more about government appointments and the failure to address corruption.
Global Context
Nepal’s social media restrictions come amid worldwide efforts to regulate Big Tech and social media platforms. Governments cite the need to combat misinformation, protect data privacy, and ensure national security. Critics warn such measures could threaten free speech, while regulators argue they are necessary to protect users and maintain order.
