At Least 10 Killed in Nepal Protests Over Social Media Ban, Corruption

TDT | Kathmandu

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At least 10 people were killed and nearly 90 injured on Monday as police in Nepal clashed with protesters in the capital, Kathmandu. Demonstrators had gathered to demand the lifting of a government ban on social media and stronger action against corruption.

Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse crowds, according to officials. Shekhar Khanal, spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley police, confirmed the death toll and said “the crowds are still in the streets.”

Many of the injured were taken to Civil Hospital, where medical staff also struggled as tear gas spread into the facility. “I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” said Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at the hospital.

The protest began peacefully, with young demonstrators waving national flags and singing the national anthem. But tensions escalated when crowds broke through barbed wire barriers near parliament. Some protesters even climbed over the wall into the parliament compound, prompting police to respond with batons.

Authorities quickly imposed a curfew around key areas, including parliament, the president’s residence, and the prime minister’s office. Similar protests also erupted in other districts.

The unrest follows the government’s decision last week to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, saying the companies had failed to register in Nepal. Instagram and other platforms with millions of Nepali users were also affected, leaving many frustrated.

“This protest is not just about the social media ban,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. “We are also standing up against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”

Another protester, 20-year-old student Ikshama Tumrok, criticised what she called the “authoritarian attitude” of the government. “We want change. Others may have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she said.

Videos on TikTok, which remains accessible, have gone viral in recent days, showing ordinary Nepalis struggling while politicians’ children flaunt luxury lifestyles.

The government has said the ban is temporary and that platforms must register locally, appoint compliance officers, and set up a point of contact in Nepal. Officials insisted they “respect freedom of thought and expression” and aim to ensure its “unfettered use.”

Nepal has previously restricted online platforms, including a nine-month ban on TikTok that ended last year and a temporary block on Telegram in July over fraud concerns.