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Key Points

Nepal's capital has descended into chaos with renewed protests just hours after the government lifted its social media ban. Security forces opened fire on demonstrators Monday, resulting in at least 19 deaths and hundreds injured in the deadliest crackdown in recent years. Protesters continue blocking roads outside Parliament demanding Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's immediate resignation. The government has imposed a fresh curfew while blaming "infiltration by vested interest groups" for the violence.

Key Points: Nepal Protests Resume as Oli Faces Calls to Resign After Deadly Crackdown

  • At least 19 killed in security forces firing on protesters in Kathmandu and Itahari
  • Fresh curfew imposed hours after previous restrictions were lifted
  • Protesters block roads outside Nepal Parliament demanding Oli's resignation
  • Government lifts social media ban but blames "vested interests" for violence
3 min read

Day after Govt revokes ban on social media, fresh protests hit Nepal as demonstrators seek PM Oli's dismissal

Fresh protests erupt in Kathmandu despite lifted social media ban, with 19 dead and hundreds injured in Nepal's deadliest crackdown on civilian demonstrations in years.

"Yesterday, many students were killed and the Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, should leave the nation - Protester to ANI"

Kathmandu, September 9

Protesters in Nepal took to the streets again on Tuesday morning, a day after the country lifted a social media ban that led to clashes between protesters and police in which at least 19 people died, according to local media.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed an indefinite curfew inside the Ring Road area of the Nepalese capital, reintroducing restrictions just hours after an earlier order was lifted, the Himalayan Times reported today.

The previous curfew imposed yesterday, which expired at 5 am today, was replaced by the fresh order taking effect at 8:30 am.

Protestors were seen today blocking roads outside the Nepal Parliament and in Kalanki, among other places, Kathmandu Post said.

The move comes after security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Kathmandu and Itahari on Monday, leaving at least 19 dead and hundreds injured, making it the deadliest crackdown on civilian protests in recent years, according to the Himalayan Times.

The protesters are demonstrating against what they see as the authoritarian attitude of the government and said they won't stop until Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigns.

One of the protesters today told ANI, "Yesterday, many students were killed and the Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, should leave the nation...Students should continue to raise their voice..."

A retired Nepal Army Colonel Madhav Sundar Khadga said, "I was also working on the mega campaign against corruption for six months. My son was with me yesterday...I was in a different area near my home. I called him up three times, he did not receive the call. After 4 pm, the phone was switched off. Then I came here...I came to the Police but they hit me...I want the President to dissolve this Government..."

As per the Nepal government, at least 19 people who died over 250 people were injured in the yesterday's protest that also took place in places outside Kathmandu.

A decision to lift the ban on social media sites was made after an emergency cabinet meeting late on Monday. The ban was put in place last week on sites which did not comply with a deadline to register with Nepal's ministry of communication and information technology.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli issued a statement late on Monday evening announced that the social media ban that was put in place last week has been lifted. In the statement, Oli rather blamed "infiltration by various vested interest groups"behind Monday's violence.

The government would set up a panel to investigate the protests, Oli said and added the government would offer financial "relief" to victims and provide free treatment to those injured.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The social media ban and then immediate re-imposition of curfew shows how desperate the government is to control information. This pattern feels familiar - first suppress communication, then use force. Solidarity with the Nepali people fighting for democracy.
A
Arjun K
As an Indian, I'm concerned about stability in our neighboring country. Nepal's peace is important for regional security. Hope they find a peaceful resolution without further bloodshed. The government should listen to people's genuine grievances.
M
Michael C
The retired colonel's story about his son is absolutely devastating. When security forces turn against their own people, it's a sign of complete breakdown. PM Oli blaming "vested interests" instead of taking responsibility is disappointing.
S
Shreya B
While I support the right to protest, I hope all sides exercise restraint. Violence begets violence. The government's offer to investigate and provide relief is a step, but too little too late. They need to address the root causes of public anger.
K
Karthik V
The timing of social media ban lift right before fresh protests suggests the government is playing games. This back-and-forth with restrictions shows they're losing control. Hope the students stay safe - young people leading change is inspiring but risky.

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