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Key Points

Violent clashes erupted in Kathmandu as Gen Z-led protests against Nepal's social media ban turned deadly. Security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and aerial firing to disperse crowds that stormed parliament premises. At least eight protesters were killed and hundreds injured in the escalating violence. Prime Minister Oli defended the government's position, stating they oppose "lawlessness" not social platforms themselves.

Key Points: Nepal Gen Z Protest Deaths as Social Media Ban Sparks Kathmandu Clashes

  • Eight protesters killed in violent clashes with Nepali security forces
  • Demonstrators stormed Federal Parliament premises in restricted zones
  • Hundreds injured including journalists and security personnel
  • Government imposed curfew across key Kathmandu areas
  • Protests triggered by social media registration deadline and ban
  • Security used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets
3 min read

Nepal Gen Z demonstrations: Eight protestors killed in clash with security officials

Eight killed as Nepal Gen Z protests against social media ban turn violent in Kathmandu. Security forces use tear gas, rubber bullets amid parliament storming.

"We are not against platforms or social networks -- but we are against lawlessness, arrogance, and belittling our country. - Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli"

Kathmandu, Sep 8

At least eight people have lost their lives as the Gen Z-led demonstrations against alleged corruption and the government's decision to ban social media escalated into violent clashes in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on Monday, local media reported.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Maitighar in the city to vent their anger over the ban, which has triggered widespread outrage among young Nepalis.

The protests, however, spiralled out of control after demonstrators broke into restricted zones and stormed the Federal Parliament premises in New Baneshwor.

Authorities swiftly imposed a curfew across key areas and deployed the Nepali Army to contain the unrest.

Security forces resorted to tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even aerial firing in a desperate bid to disperse the crowds. Despite the crackdown, protesters continued to clash fiercely with security personnel.

Preliminary reports suggest that five of the deceased died while undergoing treatment at the Trauma Centre, two succumbed at Civil Hospital, and one passed away at Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal. Some of the victims have been identified, others are yet to be confirmed, reports leading Nepalese daily, The Himalayan Times.

The scale of the violence also left hundreds injured, including protesters, journalists, and security personnel, many of whom are being treated in hospitals across Kathmandu.

Several remain in critical condition.

Officials described the situation in Baneshwor as "highly tense," claiming that protesters had pelted stones at police and forced their way into the Parliament compound before eventually being driven out.

The government announced that the curfew would remain in effect until 10 p.m., covering areas from Baneshwor Chowk to Bijuli Bazaar bridge in the west, Tinkune Chowk in the east, Ratna Rajya School in the north, and Shankhamul bridge in the south.

Reacting to the incident, Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said that his administration is not against platforms but against "lawlessness, arrogance and belittling the country."

"I hear of a planned 'Gen Z rebellion.' We are not against platforms or social networks -- but we are against lawlessness, arrogance, and belittling our country. For a year, we told social networks: register under Nepal's law, pay taxes, be accountable," Oli said, adding that the companies refused to comply with the rules.

On August 25, the Nepal Cabinet decided that all social media operators must register within seven days under the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2023, and the deadline expired on September 3, the country's leading daily, The Kathmandu Post, reported.

On September 4, the Nepal government blocked all unregistered social media platforms after they did not contact the ministry by the deadline.

After the directive, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) shared the names of 26 platforms that would be shut down, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul and Hamro Patro.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I support the right to protest, storming parliament premises crosses a line. Both sides need to show restraint. The loss of young lives is tragic regardless of the circumstances.
P
Priya S
As an Indian, this feels too familiar. Governments banning social media never ends well. It's about controlling narratives, not just "lawlessness." Young people everywhere are fighting the same battles against authoritarian tendencies.
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Michael C
The PM's statement about companies registering and paying taxes makes some sense, but the timing and execution are terrible. You can't just cut off communication channels and expect people to stay calm. Poor handling all around.
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Ananya R
My heart goes out to the families who lost their children. Eight young lives gone because of a social media ban? This is so unnecessary. Governments need to understand that in 2024, social media IS public space.
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Vikram M
This is a wake-up call for all South Asian governments. The youth are watching and they're not afraid to demand change. But violence from both protesters and security forces only leads to tragedy. Dialogue is the only way forward.

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