Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Resigns Amid Deadly Social Media Ban Protests: Reports

Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Monday submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, NDTV reported. This comes amid the deadly protests that have gripped the country over the ban imposed on several social media platforms.

Earlier in the day, thousands of youth spearhead a massive protest in capital Kathmandu, against the government’s order curbing the use of social media.

The demonstrations in Kathmandu turned violent after a group of protestors breached one of the gates of the Parliament and set parts of it on fire, Nepal News reported. They also smashed the walls with stones.

The death toll due to the clashes in the anti-government rally in Nepal has climbed to 19. The protest has spread to regions such as Biratnagar, Birgunj, Dang, Butwal, Hetauda, Narayangadh and Surkhet, according to local media reports.

On social media platforms, hashtags such as ‘Nepo Kid’ and ‘Nepo Babies’ gained popularity, with people protesting against government corruption and the ban on platforms like Facebook and TikTok.

The protest organisers are using social media to share details about protest routes and safety measures. They encouraged students to participate in their school uniforms and carry books.

The protest organisers, according to the Himalayan Times, have emphasised that the demonstrations will remain peaceful. They also warned the political parties against exploiting the agitation.