Kathmandu, September 9, 2025 – In a dramatic reversal, the Nepalese government announced today that it has lifted the social media ban imposed last week, after violent youth-led protests spiraled out of control and left at least 19 dead and hundreds injured. The ban had initially targeted platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, and YouTube under new regulations demanding local registration and accountability. Reuters+1The GuardianAP NewsAl Jazeera
The massive protests, dubbed the “Gen Z protests,” erupted across Kathmandu and other major cities, fueled by deep-seated frustration over systemic corruption, lack of economic opportunity, and perceived authoritarian overreach. Demonstrators—many students and young adults—rallied with slogans such as “Shut down corruption, not social media.” The uneasy situation escalated when protesters stormed barricades near the federal parliament complex, provoking security forces to respond with tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. ReutersThe GuardianAP NewsWikipedia
Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed early Tuesday that the government has withdrawn the shutdown. “We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” he told Reuters. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli expressed sorrow over the violence, attributing the unrest to what he called “infiltration from different selfish centres.” The government pledged relief payments to the victims’ families and free medical care for the injured. Reuters+1The Economic TimesAP NewsAl Jazeera
In a related development, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking moral responsibility for the crisis. The cabinet also announced the formation of an investigation panel tasked with identifying the causes, assessing loss, and suggesting measures to prevent reoccurrence within 15 days. The Times of India+1The Wall Street JournalAP News
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the UN Human Rights Office, swiftly condemned the use of lethal force. The UN called for a transparent and independent probe into allegations of disproportionate treatment by security forces. The GuardianAP NewsAl Jazeera
Analysts note that Nepal’s crackdown follows a broader regional trend of democratic governments using regulatory tools to curb digital freedoms—similar to recent restrictions in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Critics argue widespread bans have disproportional consequences, hindering communication, education, business, and civic participation. During the blackout, VPN usage reportedly surged by 8,000%, illustrating public defiance of the measure. AP NewsThe Economic TimesWikipedia
Today’s turn of events signals a rare instance of a government retreating under popular pressure. But the protests also underscore an alarming generational divide, with Nepal’s youth demanding not only access to online platforms—but broader accountability and reform in public institutions.
