Nepal Uprising: Youth Protest against Social Media Ban and Corruption

New Delhi: Nineteen people lost their lives and over 300 sustained injuries after thousands of young Nepalese citizens stormed the streets to protest against the KP Sharma Oli government’s decision to restrict 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X. What began in Kathmandu quickly proliferated into other regions of the Himalayan nation. To curb the unrest, curfew orders were imposed in Baneshwar, Singhadurbar, Narayanhiti, and other high-security government zones.

Earlier, security forces resorted to firing rubber bullets and teargas shells at demonstrators. In the midst of escalating chaos, a young protester urged others to retreat, warning that opportunistic elements had infiltrated the crowd to instigate violence. Declaring moral victory, the leader exclaimed, “We have already won today.” Following the outbreak of violence, the Army was dispatched to the New Baneshwor area.

As the agitation intensified, the oil-led administration announced a reversal of its decision. After a cabinet session, Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that officials had been directed to initiate the process of restoring platforms in alignment with the demands of Gen Z, who had orchestrated a massive demonstration near the Parliament in Kathmandu.

The Social Media Ban

On Thursday, the government barred multiple platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, citing their failure to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology despite a prior directive. These platforms had been instructed to establish a local grievance redressal officer and compliance authority. The deadline, which expired on August 28, was ignored by major companies such as Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X, Reddit, and LinkedIn.

However, TikTok, Viber, With, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live remained unaffected as they had already fulfilled regulatory requirements. Applications from Telegram and Global Diary are reportedly under review.

Voices of Protesters

According to the Kathmandu Post, Nepal has around 13.5 million Facebook users and 3.6 million Instagram followers, many of whom depend on these platforms for entrepreneurship and livelihood. The ban severely disrupted small businesses and digital creators, fueling discontent.

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

Similarly, 20-year-old student Ikshama Tumrok criticized the government’s “authoritarian attitude.” She added, “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation.” Another protester, in a viral video, questioned, “When the leaders’ sons and daughters have a bright future, where is ours?”

Government’s Response

In its official statement, the government reiterated respect for freedom of expression and pledged to ensure its protection. Authorities clarified that earlier restrictions, such as on Telegram, were imposed due to misuse in fraudulent and money laundering activities. Notably, TikTok had also faced a temporary suspension last year before agreeing to align with Nepalese regulations.

The protests have now evolved into a broader anti-corruption crusade, with Nepal’s youth signaling an epochal resistance against authoritarianism and maladministration.