Protests Erupt in Nepal Over Social Media Ban, 19 Dead

Violent protests erupted in Nepal on March 15, 2024, following the government’s ban on several social media platforms. The unrest led to the deaths of at least 19 people and left over 300 injured, prompting the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The situation escalated to the point where the Nepali Army was deployed in Kathmandu, taking control of roads surrounding the parliament complex.

Thousands of demonstrators, predominantly youths and school students under the banner of “Gen Z,” gathered in front of the Parliament in Kathmandu. They chanted anti-government slogans and demanded the immediate reversal of the social media ban. Tensions mounted when some protesters breached the parliament’s security, leading police to respond with water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition, as reported by eyewitnesses.

According to Nepal Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire, 17 fatalities occurred during the clashes in various areas of Kathmandu, while two additional deaths were reported in the Sunsari district due to police gunfire. The protests quickly spread to cities including Pokhara, Butwal, and Bharatpur, among others.

The chaos prompted local authorities to impose a curfew in several districts, including Lalitpur and Itahari. Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal issued a notice stating, “No movement of people, demonstration, meeting, gathering, or sit-in will be allowed in the restricted zone.”

As for the casualties, a report from The Kathmandu Post indicated that hospitals were overwhelmed with patients. Eight fatalities were recorded at the National Trauma Centre, while others were reported at various medical facilities throughout Kathmandu. Hospitals are struggling to accommodate the influx of patients, prompting some to refer cases to alternative institutions.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, representing the Nepali Congress party in the coalition government led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, resigned on moral grounds following the deadly clashes. He submitted his resignation during a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, Baluwatar.

On March 12, the government had banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, and YouTube, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology by the given deadline. The government stated that the ban was necessary to regulate these platforms, but many citizens view it as an infringement on free speech and a potential move towards censorship.

Prime Minister Oli defended the decision, asserting that his government would not tolerate “anomalies and arrogance,” and insisted that it was not against social media per se. He criticized those who opposed the ban, labeling them as “puppets who only oppose for the sake of opposing.”

The protests also saw participation from journalists and other groups, including the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN). In a statement, CAN emphasized that shutting down major platforms could severely impact education, business, and communication. CAN president Sunaina Ghimire remarked that such actions could hinder Nepal’s digital progress and called for discussions with stakeholders to find practical solutions.

As the unrest continues, the government faces growing pressure to address the concerns of the public. The situation remains tense, with many citizens demanding accountability and respect for their rights in the digital age.