Nepal Government’s U-Turn! Social Media Ban Revoked After Violent Protests

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed sorrow over the deaths and claimed that peaceful protests were infiltrated by disruptive elements, forcing the government to use force to prevent damage to public property. He clarified that the government never intended to ban social media sites permanently, but only regulate them.

Kathmandu witnessed intense turmoil after the government’s sudden ban on social media platforms triggered widespread youth protests that soon turned violent. At least 20 people were killed while more than 300 others sustained injuries in clashes that shook the capital and several other regions. Following the unrest, the Nepal government has announced the withdrawal of its restrictions on social media.

Nepal’s Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting, Prithvi Subba Gurung, confirmed that the decision was taken after an emergency cabinet meeting. He declared that the government had revoked its earlier order that restricted access to social media sites.

Late Monday night, the authorities rolled back their directive that had barred multiple platforms. The reversal came in the wake of massive demonstrations, which escalated into violence and resulted in heavy casualties. Protesters opposing the ban filled streets, and reports confirmed 20 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Large-scale protests erupted in front of Nepal’s Parliament in Kathmandu, where demonstrators, mainly from the “Gen Z” group, demanded immediate access to social platforms. Gurung stated that the ministry had instructed concerned agencies to begin restoring the blocked platforms, in accordance with the demands made during the protests.

Just three days earlier, Nepal’s administration had ordered a complete block on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X, citing their failure to register officially with the state. Gurung appealed to the “Gen Z” protestors to call off their demonstrations, promising the resumption of these platforms.

The protests turned violent when several agitators entered the Parliament complex. Witnesses reported that the police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and even gunfire to disperse the crowd. Later in the night, Facebook, WhatsApp, and X were once again accessible across Nepal, marking a significant turnaround.

The violent clashes caused the deaths of 20 individuals and left over 300 injured, according to official sources. In the aftermath of the crisis, Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned from his position. As the situation worsened, the Nepalese army was deployed to key areas of Kathmandu, including New Baneshwor, where soldiers secured roads and blocked entry around the Parliament complex.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He emphasized that, “Peaceful protests were infiltrated by some unwanted elements, which forced the government to act in order to prevent public property from being damaged.” He added, “The government’s aim was not to impose a permanent ban on social media sites, but to regulate them effectively.”

The protests were not limited to Kathmandu. Several cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahwa, Bharatpur, Itahari, and Damak, also saw demonstrations. After violence erupted, curfews were imposed in different parts of the capital as well as other towns. Authorities confirmed curfews in Lalitpur district, Pokhara, Butwal, and Itahari in Sunsari district. Chhabi Lal Rizal, the Chief District Officer, issued a notice stating, “No movement, protests, gatherings, meetings, or sit-ins will be allowed in the restricted zones.”

The restrictions were later extended to sensitive areas near the Presidential Palace, the Vice President’s residence, and the Prime Minister’s office. The government had earlier announced the ban on September 4, targeting 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and X. Prime Minister Oli had even defended the decision a day before the violence, declaring, “Any attempt to weaken the nation will never be tolerated.”

With the decision now reversed, Nepal finds itself balancing the challenge of maintaining law and order while also respecting the demands of its digital-savvy younger generation. The lifting of the ban marks a critical moment in Nepal’s political and social landscape, as the government struggles to rebuild public trust after the violent clashes.