Manisha Koirala Condemns Police Violence Amid Nepal's Social Media Uprising

Celebrated actor and social activist Manisha Koirala has voiced her deep concern over the Nepal government's violent crackdown on youth-led protests, calling it a "black day" for the nation. Her remarks come amid growing public outrage following the deaths of 19 protestors and injuries to more than 400 people, including police personnel, during violent clashes in Kathmandu.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Koirala wrote:

 "आजको दिन नेपालका लागि कालो दिन हो - जब जनताको आवाज, भ्रष्टाचारविरुद्धको आक्रोश र न्यायको मागलाई गोलीले जवाफ दिइयो।"

 (“Today is a black day for Nepal – when bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption, and demand for justice.”)

The protests, largely driven by Gen Z demonstrators, erupted after the government enforced a sweeping ban on 26 unregistered social media platforms — including major global sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The move, framed as a regulatory measure, effectively cut off millions of Nepalis from digital communication and sparked accusations of authoritarian overreach.

Authorities had earlier issued a directive requiring social media companies to register locally, appoint compliance officers, and establish official points of contact within Nepal. These requirements followed a Supreme Court ruling from last year aimed at regulating digital content and platform accountability. However, none of the major platforms had complied with the new mandates by the given deadline.

The protests escalated when demonstrators attempted to breach a restricted zone near the parliament building. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and batons. What followed was one of the most violent confrontations in Nepal’s recent political history, leaving 19 people dead and hundreds wounded.

The government has since announced that it will reverse its decision to block social media platforms, attributing the policy withdrawal to the intensity of the protests and public backlash.

"We are reviewing our digital governance framework to ensure it balances regulation with fundamental freedoms," a government spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Despite the policy reversal, public anger remains high, with protestors also demanding accountability for the deaths and calling for an independent investigation into the use of force. The demonstrations have also highlighted broader frustrations with government corruption and youth disenfranchisement.

As public figures like Koirala lend their voices to the movement, many see this moment as a potential turning point for civic activism in Nepal.

"Justice must prevail. Silencing dissent with bullets is not the answer," Koirala's post concluded; a sentiment that now echoes across the country.