Nepal is facing one of its most serious political crises in recent years after the government’s sweeping social media ban triggered violent protests in the capital, Kathmandu. The crackdown left at least nine protesters dead and dozens injured as police clashed with thousands of young demonstrators, according to multiple reports.
Nepal’s Social Media Ban: What Happened
On September 4, 2025, the Government of Nepal blocked 26 major social media and messaging platforms — including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, Signal, and X (formerly Twitter) — citing non-compliance with new registration rules. Authorities claimed the ban was necessary to curb misinformation, hate speech, and online crime.
Only a handful of platforms like TikTok and Viber remained accessible after registering under the new policy. The sweeping ban has been condemned as a direct attack on freedom of expression and digital rights.
Nepal’s mobile broadband sector is dominated by two major operators: Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. As of mid-April 2025, mobile broadband accounted for approximately 25.98 million of the 29.11 million total broadband connections, reflecting that over 89 percent of internet subscriptions are via mobile networks. Nepal Telecom had around 14.18 million mobile subscribers, while Ncell served about 11.8 million. As of mid-2025, Nepal Telecom held 13.74 million 4G subscribers and Ncell had 11.63 million, bringing the total 4G user base to over 25.37 million.
Why Gen Z Took to the Streets
The ban ignited anger among Nepal’s youth, particularly Gen Z students and activists, who organized mass demonstrations in Kathmandu. Protesters carried placards reading: “Shut down corruption, not social media.”
Their demands went beyond restoring online access—protesters also called for an end to corruption, authoritarian policies, and lack of transparency in governance.
Violence in Kathmandu: 9 Dead, Dozens Injured
Protests turned violent near New Baneshwar, outside the Parliament building. Demonstrators attempted to breach Parliament’s gates, set fires, and clashed with heavily armed police.
Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live rounds. By evening, reports indicated at least nine deaths, while dozens sustained injuries. Some hospitals confirmed multiple fatalities, though official state media initially downplayed the numbers.
Curfew and Nationwide Unrest
Following the violence, authorities imposed a curfew in central Kathmandu. Protests have also spread to other cities, including Biratnagar, Pokhara, and Bharatpur, raising fears of wider instability.
Global and Domestic Reactions
Human rights groups criticized the ban as an attack on civil liberties.
Opposition parties accused the Oli-led government of authoritarianism and failing to address corruption.
International observers warned that Nepal risks further unrest if freedoms are suppressed.
What This Means for Nepal
The ongoing crisis shows that Nepal’s younger generation is unwilling to accept restrictions on digital freedom. With social media central to communication, education, and activism, the ban has become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with governance.
Baburajan Kizhakedath