Thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday in a dramatic and deadly protest against the government’s sweeping ban on 26 popular social media platforms. The protest, largely spearheaded by Generation Z, escalated into violent clashes with police, resulting in at least nine deaths and over 42 injuries, according to Nepal Police.

In a statement, Nepal police said, “Nine people have lost their lives as the Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters.”

From Peaceful March to Chaos

The protests began peacefully around 9 AM in Maitighar, where demonstrators gathered waving national flags and singing the national anthem. Carrying placards with slogans like “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Unban social media,” the crowd expressed widespread anger not just over the recent digital blackout but also decades of entrenched corruption, nepotism, and political favoritism.

Enough is Enough 🛑

Nepal’s Parliament under siege.

Thousands of Gen Z protesters gathered in Maitighar to protest against corruption and the government’s decision to silence free speech by banning social media apps. pic.twitter.com/so7U81azju

— iamikshahang 🧙 | 𝔽rAI (@ikshahangjabegu) September 8, 2025

Although the rally had received prior approval from the Kathmandu District Administration Office and was supported by civic group Hami Nepal, tensions escalated when protesters attempted to storm the Parliament premises. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and later, live ammunition.

Deadly Violence in New Baneshwar

One of the worst confrontations occurred in New Baneshwar, where police opened fire on demonstrators who breached restricted zones. One protester succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, and more fatalities were confirmed later in the evening. Several of the deceased have not yet been identified, authorities said.

Over 40 people sustained injuries and are being treated at Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, and other medical centers. Hami Nepal also set up a first-aid camp at Maitighar for minor injuries.

💥 NEPAL

Looks like Bangladesh type Modus operandi: Youth protesting against the govt on roads, entering Parliament & creating chaos.

01 protester died, several injured.#BreakingNews‌ #Nepalprotest #chaos pic.twitter.com/IoyBq9V6bL

— Mritunjay Kumar (@Mritunjayrocks) September 8, 2025

“We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24, told news agency AFP. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”

Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the “authoritarian attitude” of the government. “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told AFP.

Curfew Imposed as Protest Spreads

Following the violence, authorities imposed curfew orders in key areas of Kathmandu, including Baneshwar, Singha Durbar, Baluwatar (PM’s residence), Lainchaur (Vice-President’s residence), and Shital Niwas (President’s house). The curfew, effective from 12:30 PM to 10 PM, was imposed under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, similar demonstrations erupted in other cities like Damak, where protesters burned an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and tried to storm the municipal office. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets there as well, critically injuring one protester.

Why the Ban?

The government enacted the ban last Friday after 26 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn, failed to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. A recent cabinet meeting, chaired by Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, mandated platforms to register locally, appoint grievance and compliance officers, and establish a Nepali contact point.

While some platforms like TikTok, Viber, Nimbuzz, and WeTalk have complied, most global giants have yet to begin the registration process. Officials claim the ban will be lifted once the companies meet the regulatory requirements.

“A while ago, the police fired bullets which did not hit me but hit a friend of mine standing behind me. He was shot in the hand. The firing is still going on and we can hear gunfire from inside the parliament as well. My friend, who was standing on the road, was shot in the head. The police are firing indiscriminately, aiming above the knees. Are they allowed to do this?..,” a protester told the media.

Youth Outrage Over Corruption and Censorship

Many protesters said the ban was only the tipping point for a broader wave of frustration. “The ban sparked this, but we’re here because we’re tired of corruption, nepotism, and censorship,” said Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student.

Another protester, 20-year-old Ikshama Tumrok, called the government’s actions “authoritarian” and said, “We want this to end with our generation.” Videos contrasting politicians’ children flaunting luxury lifestyles with the daily struggles of ordinary Nepalis have gone viral on TikTok, fuelling further outrage.

“We have imposed a curfew that will remain in effect until 10 pm local time (1615 GMT) to bring the situation under control after protesters turned violent,” Reuters quoted Kathmandu district office spokesperson Muktiram Rijal as saying.

Political Fallout and Public Support

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a popular independent leader who rose to prominence through online campaigning, voiced support for the protests on Facebook. “I cannot participate due to my position, but I extend my full support,” he said.

Prime Minister Oli, who recently mocked Gen Z at a public event, has yet to comment on the fatalities. Meanwhile, the government maintains that the ban is necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and enforce accountability.

“I heard of a planned ‘Gen Z rebellion.’ We are not against platforms or social networks, we are against lawlessness, arrogance, and belittling our country,” Oli said.

“They replied, ‘We don’t know your constitution.’ Then intellectuals complain: four jobs lost. But are four jobs bigger than national self-respect? For self-respect, maybe four jobs go for four days, but new ones will come. They cannot be operators, managers, and consumers all at once,” Oli stated.

A Turning Point for Nepal?

This week’s protests represent a pivotal moment in Nepal’s political landscape. What started as a movement against digital censorship has evolved into a larger youth-driven campaign challenging the nation’s systemic corruption and governance failures.

Whether the government will back down or clamp down further remains to be seen.

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