Nepal Protest Updates: Home Minister Steps Down; 19 Killed In Anti-Govt Demonstration Over Social Media Ban

Thousands of youths spearheaded a massive demonstration in Kathmandu on Monday against the Nepal government’s ban on social media platforms. A huge rally was held at Maitighar from 9 am onwards. The protest was organised by a group called ‘Hami Nepal’.

• The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in key areas around Baneshwor a protests against corruption and the social media ban ramped up.

• At least 19 people were killed and more than 300 others injured after police used force during protests by youths.

• Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister during the cabinet meeting.

• Security was stepped up in several districts of India's Uttar Pradesh that share their borders with Nepal following the protests.

Security has been stepped up in several districts of Uttar Pradesh that share their borders with Nepal following violent youth-led protests in the Himalayan nation over the ban on social media platforms, officials said on Monday.

(Source: PTI)

At least 19 people were killed and more than 300 others injured after police used force during protests by youths that rocked the Nepalese capital and other parts of the country over the government's ban on social media sites, PTI quoted officials as saying.

Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister during the cabinet meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister in Baluwatar.

(Source: Media Reports)

The death toll due to the clashes in the anti-government rally in Nepal has climbed to 16, according to NDTV. This comes after scores of protestors took to the streets to protest against the government's ban on social media applications.

"Nine people have lost their lives as protest turned violent in Kathmandu," said the Nepal Police, reported ANI.

A protester, injured at the demonstration by police firing, died at Civil Hospital, according to a Nepal News report. The youth was being treated following police gunfire but did not survive. Authorities have yet to identify the deceased.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in key areas around Baneshwor, according to the Himalayan Times.  

The demonstrations have moved from online spaces to the streets. 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 Kathmandu District Administration Office said ‘Hami Nepal’ had sought prior approval for the rally, according to the Kathmandu Times report. Sudhan Gurung, the group’s chairperson, said the protest was against corruption and government restrictions. He added that similar protests were happening across Nepal.

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.

Images shared by Kathmandu Times showed young people carrying banners and chanting slogans. One of the images showed a group of boys carrying a large banner that read, ‘Gen Z movement in Nepal’. Another banner read: “Say no to corruption, say yes to integrity.”

The protest has spread to regions such as Biratnagar, Birgunj, Dang, Butwal, Hetauda, Narayangadh and Surkhet, according to Nepal News.

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, the Nepal News report added. They also smashed the walls with stones.

However, according to the Himalayan Times, the organisers emphasised that the protests will remain peaceful. They also warned the political parties not to exploit the protest.