Nepal Unrest Escalates After Social Media Ban Sparks Deadly Gen Z Protests

Lead Youth-led protests erupted across Nepal on September 8 after the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, leaving at least 19 dead and prompting Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign amid nationwide curfews and mass demonstrations.

Nut Graf The demonstrations-driven by anger over censorship, corruption and economic stagnation-marked the most violent unrest in Nepal in decades. As the administration lifted the ban and imposed curfews in major cities, protesters defied restrictions, underscoring deep generational discontent and political volatility.

Key Developments

  • Social media ban lifted: Authorities rescinded the order late Monday, but discontent persisted.
  • Casualties and curfews: Security forces used water cannons, tear gas and live rounds; curfews declared in Kathmandu and seven other districts.
  • Political fallout: PM Oli and three ministers resigned, fueling a leadership vacuum and coalition turmoil.
  • Property damage: Parliament complex, Supreme Court and senior officials’ residences torched; protesters also attacked party headquarters and hotels.

Background and Chronology On September 4, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology ordered registration of 26 platforms-including Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube-or face shutdown. Critics decried the move as censorship; Gen Z users mobilized online to protest nepotism and graft.

Large crowds of students and young activists gathered outside the Federal Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, demanding restoration of digital freedoms and government accountability. Security forces first deployed tear gas and water cannons, then fired live ammunition after protesters breached barricades, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and more than 300 injuries across multiple cities.

Government Response and Political Crisis Facing nationwide unrest, the Oli administration lifted the social media ban late Monday but maintained curfews in Kathmandu, Birgunj, Pokhara and others to quell gatherings. Despite restrictions, protesters torched the Parliament complex and set fire to the ruling party’s central office in Sanepa, while residents defied curfews in Kalanki and near the Supreme Court.

By early Tuesday, three ministers had stepped down. Hours later, PM KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation “to facilitate a political solution,” acknowledging the crisis driven by youth disenchantment and long-standing corruption allegations.

Domestic and International Reactions Domestic parties called for an all-party dialogue, warning that continued violence jeopardizes peace and development. The National Human Rights Commission urged restraint, and local media reported detentions of student leaders.

International rights groups condemned the crackdown and demanded impartial investigations. The UN offered assistance for post-conflict healing, while neighbouring India placed border posts on high alert amid fears of spillover unrest.

Outlook Nepal’s coalition government faces profound instability. With a leadership vacuum and Gen Z’s digital activism galvanizing wider calls for reform, the coming days will test the resilience of Nepal’s republic and its ability to address youth demands for transparency, economic opportunity and civil liberties.

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