At the least 14 folks have died and greater than 100 others sustained accidents in violent clashes in Kathmandu, Nepal, as Gen Z demonstrators took to the streets to protest in opposition to authorities corruption and a current ban on a number of well-liked social media platforms, in keeping with native media sources.
The unrest erupted after hundreds of younger protestors defied curfew orders and superior into restricted zones close to the Parliament. In response, safety forces deployed water cannons, tear gasoline, and rubber bullets. The Nepal Military was additionally known as in as tensions escalated, with some demonstrators reportedly breaching the Parliament compound, intensifying the disaster, The Kathmandu Publish reported.
#WATCH | Nepal | Protestors vandalise the Parliament gate because the protest turned violent in Kathmandu, as folks staged an enormous protest in opposition to the ban on Fb, Instagram, WhatsApp and different social media websites, resulting in clashes between police and protesters pic.twitter.com/dkh9Mg7BGc
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
Widening Curfew And Safety Measures
Following the violence, the Kathmandu District Administration Workplace prolonged the curfew, initially restricted to the Baneshwar space. The brand new restrictions now embody key high-security areas, together with the President’s residence in Shital Niwas, the Vice-President’s residence in Lainchaur, Maharajgunj, all sides of Singha Durbar, and the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal introduced that the curfew would stay in impact every day from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM native time. Public gatherings, demonstrations, and any unauthorised motion inside these zones are strictly prohibited.
#WATCH | Nepal | Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as folks staged an enormous protest outdoors Kathmandu Parliament in opposition to the ban on Fb, Instagram, WhatsApp and different social media websites, resulting in clashes between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/XsGv1u6UFY
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
Amongst these injured was Kantipur Tv journalist Shyam Shrestha, who was struck by a rubber bullet whereas overlaying the protest in Baneshwar. He’s presently receiving remedy at Civil Hospital. One other particular person was reportedly injured in Damak, the hometown of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the place demonstrations additionally turned violent.
Protests Unfold Nationwide
Protests have now unfold past the capital. In Pokhara, demonstrators reportedly vandalised the Chief Minister’s workplace, prompting native authorities to implement a curfew. Prime Minister Oli has since known as an emergency cupboard assembly to handle the escalating state of affairs.
Why Are Folks Protesting?
The unrest follows the federal government’s resolution to dam entry to 26 unregistered digital platforms, together with widely-used apps reminiscent of Fb, YouTube, X (previously Twitter), Instagram, and Snapchat. The abrupt restrictions, which started on Friday, left hundreds of thousands of customers confused and pissed off.
The transfer has triggered vital outrage, significantly among the many youth, who accuse the federal government of suppressing free speech whereas turning a blind eye to entrenched corruption.
A protester advised ANI, “We had been planning to carry a peaceable protest, however as we superior additional, we may see the violence by the police. The police are firing on the folks, which is in opposition to the essence of peaceable protest. Those that are in energy can not impose their energy on us. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which is in opposition to the liberty of speech and the appropriate to expression. The Police have been firing at protestors…”
#WATCH | Nepal | Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as folks staged an enormous protest outdoors Kathmandu Parliament in opposition to the ban on Fb, Instagram, WhatsApp and different social media websites, resulting in clashes between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/jifSQlHFqC
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
One other protester, 20-year-old pupil Ikshama Tumrok, expressed anger at what she described because the regime’s authoritarian leanings.
One other protester stated, “Some time in the past, the police fired bullets which didn’t hit me however hit a good friend of mine standing behind me. He was shot within the hand. The firing remains to be happening, and we are able to hear gunfire from contained in the parliament as nicely. My good friend, who was standing on the highway, was shot within the head. The police are firing indiscriminately, aiming above the knees. Are they allowed to do that?…”
The outrage has been additional fuelled by viral TikTok movies contrasting the every day struggles of bizarre residents with the lavish existence of politicians’ youngsters. TikTok stays accessible for now, not like different banned platforms.
“There have been actions overseas in opposition to corruption, and so they (the federal government) are afraid which may occur right here as nicely,” protester Bhumika Bharati commented.
Authorities’s Place
Talking at a conference of the ruling Communist Social gathering of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli declared that the occasion would “all the time stand in opposition to anomalies and vanity, and by no means settle for any act that weakens the nation.”
He added, “The independence of the nation is larger than the lack of jobs of a handful of people. How can it’s acceptable to defy the regulation, disregard the structure, and disrespect nationwide dignity, independence, and sovereignty?”
The Nepalese cupboard had earlier instructed the affected platforms to register throughout the nation, appoint an area contact, and designate grievance and compliance officers, in accordance with a Supreme Court docket ruling from September final yr.
In a press release launched on Sunday, the federal government maintained that it helps freedom of expression and is dedicated to creating an setting that ensures such rights are upheld.
Nepal has beforehand restricted on-line platforms. In July, Telegram was blocked resulting from considerations over on-line fraud and cash laundering. Final yr, a nine-month ban on TikTok was lifted after the corporate agreed to adjust to native rules.