Nepal Police Clash with Youth Over Social Media Ban

KATHMANDU – At least one person died and dozens were injured on Monday after Nepali police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who tried to break into parliament during a demonstration against a social media ban and alleged government corruption, state media reported.

Nepal blocked access to several platforms, including Facebook, last week after they failed to register with authorities. Officials said the move was aimed at curbing the spread of hate speech, fake accounts, fraud, and misinformation online.

The protest drew thousands of young people to the streets near parliament in Kathmandu. Demonstrators broke through police barricades in an attempt to enter the legislature, prompting a heavy security response. Authorities later imposed a curfew around the building.

State-run Nepal Television said one person was killed and more than 50 others were hurt in the clashes. However, some local media outlets reported at least six deaths. There has been no official confirmation of the higher toll, and Reuters said it could not independently verify the numbers.

Witnesses said several injured protesters were rushed to nearby hospitals. In the chaos, demonstrators blocked a security vehicle heading towards parliament, and one ambulance was set on fire.

Parliament spokesperson Ekram Giri confirmed that some protesters managed to enter the compound but were quickly removed by police. “They did not reach the main building and have now gathered outside on the road,” he said.

The unrest marks one of the most serious backlashes against the government’s crackdown on online platforms, highlighting growing public anger over restrictions and corruption allegations.