Nepal is experiencing its largest youth-led uprising in years after the government imposed a sweeping ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The decision has ignited a wave of outrage among young people, who see the blackout as a deliberate attempt to suppress free expression and conceal government corruption.
On Sunday, the protests turned deadly in Kathmandu, where at least nine people were killed and dozens injured as demonstrators clashed with police. Thousands of youths poured into the streets, hurling stones, while security forces retaliated with water cannons and tear gas. Authorities have since imposed an indefinite curfew in the capital to try to quell the unrest.
Many of the demonstrators insist their movement is not simply about access to social media. “We are not protesting for social media, we are protesting against corruption. The ban is just the government’s excuse to suppress our voice,” said one young activist at the scene.
What began as sit-ins and digital campaigns quickly escalated into mass street protests after the restrictions took effect last week. Civil society organizations, student unions, and rights groups have thrown their support behind the demonstrators, amplifying criticism of the government’s heavy-handed response.
Political observers caution that Nepal’s crisis could intensify if authorities fail to open dialogue with the protesters. With tensions continuing to rise, many fear that the Himalayan nation could be on the brink of a larger political showdown between its young population and a government struggling to maintain control.