At least 19 people, including a 12-year-old child, were killed and more than 100 injured in violent protests in Kathmandu on Monday, according to local media reports. Demonstrators, largely from Nepal’s young Generation Z, took to the streets against corruption and the government’s decision to block several popular social media platforms.
The unrest escalated when protesters defied curfew restrictions and attempted to march towards Parliament. Security forces responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets after demonstrators hurled objects and chanted anti-government slogans. Some managed to breach Parliament’s compound, intensifying tensions.
Authorities extended the curfew in several high-security zones, including the residences of the President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister, as well as the Singha Durbar government complex. The curfew is scheduled to remain in force from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm local time.
Among the injured was Kantipur Television journalist Shyam Shrestha, who was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the demonstrations. He is receiving treatment at Civil Hospital. In Damak, the hometown of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, one person was injured when protests turned violent. Demonstrations also spread to Pokhara, where authorities imposed a curfew after protesters reportedly damaged the Chief Minister’s office.
The immediate trigger for the protests was the government’s decision to block 26 unregistered platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X. Officials had ordered the companies to register locally, appoint compliance officers, and set up a grievance mechanism in line with a Supreme Court directive. While TikTok remains accessible, the move angered millions of Nepalis who rely on social media for news, business, and communication.
Young demonstrators say the protests are about more than just access to social media. “We were triggered by the ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. Another protester, 20-year-old student Ikshama Tumrok, called the government’s actions “authoritarian” and said her generation would not remain silent.
Since the ban, videos highlighting the gap between ordinary Nepalis and the children of politicians flaunting wealth have gone viral, further fueling public anger. Protesters accuse the government of stifling free expression while failing to tackle corruption.
Prime Minister Oli has convened an emergency cabinet meeting as officials weigh the possibility of lifting the social media restrictions. In a statement on Sunday, the government insisted it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to ensuring secure use of online platforms.
Nepal has previously restricted digital platforms, including a nine-month ban on TikTok that was lifted last year after the company complied with local rules.
