The social media ban imposed by the Nepal government has been lifted now after a violent clash happened yesterday between police and protesters, which resulted in 19 deaths.

Thousands of youngsters stormed into the parliament building yesterday in Kathmandu after the ban was imposed. They demanded the government immediately revoke the ban on all 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. Youngsters even asked the government to take action against corruption.

14.3 million people use social media

Following this aggressive protest, an emergency meeting was called to discuss and take necessary action on the demands of Gen Z. In yesterday’s protest, more than 100 people were badly injured.

As per Data Reportal’s Digital 2025, till January 2025, approximately 14.3 million people in Nepal were active social media users, representing 48.1% of the total population. These users mostly rely on these platforms for entertainment, news, business, and some make their living as well.

Last week, the Nepal government imposed the ban, stating that there is an urgent need to tackle fake news, online fraud, and hate speech.

Protest against corruption

Protesters who took to the streets of Nepal shared that they were opposing the dictatorship of the government. Protesters were seen with placards carrying slogans like “Enough is enough” and “End corruption.” Angry protesters even pelted stones at PM K. P. Sharma Oli’s house in Damak.

One of the protesters, who didn’t want to be named, said, “The government must focus on corruption, rather than banning social media.”

Nepo Kid campaign

This action by the government was taken after a campaign by ‘Nepo Kids’ went viral on social media. In this campaign, the spotlight was on the children of politicians who enjoy lavish lifestyles, and social media users accused them of being funded by corruption.

Oli orders investigation

Yesterday, when the protesters stormed the parliament, Kathmandu police fired water cannons and rubber bullets to control the crowd. PM Oli shared his condolences with those who died in the protest, saying he was ‘deeply saddened’ by the violence and casualty toll. He blamed different groups with vested interests for provoking people to act in such a manner.

Oli said the government will set up a panel to investigate the root cause of the protest and also announced financial aid to victims and assured treatment to those injured.

Nepalese Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned yesterday evening after criticism over using force on protesters that killed several youngsters.

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