Government Corruption and Social Media Ban Spark Mass Protests in Nepal | WPN World People News

A massive clash between police and protesters erupted in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on September 8, marking the country's most severe unrest in decades. Thousands of citizens, responding to a call from “Generation Z demonstrators,” gathered around the Parliament building to protest against the government’s ban on social media platforms and to denounce widespread corruption.

According to international reports, the protest quickly escalated as demonstrators surged toward the Parliament, attempting to breach security zones, tearing down barbed wire, and setting vehicles on fire. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition to forcibly disperse the crowd. Official figures report at least 19 deaths and over a hundred injuries from the clashes.

The government subsequently imposed curfews in several regions and held an emergency meeting late at night. Following the meeting, authorities lifted the social media ban, stating that they had "responded to the demands of Generation Z." Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking responsibility for the police's violent crackdown. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also announced his resignation under mounting pressure.

The social media ban was initially imposed in response to the rising popularity of the “Royal Offspring” movement on various platforms. This movement exposed the lavish lifestyles and corrupt activities of politicians’ children, sparking widespread public outrage. Citing concerns over fake news, hate speech, and fraud, the government blocked access to 26 platforms—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube—claiming they had failed to comply with registration requirements set by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

Nepal remains on edge, with growing public demands for government transparency and freedom of expression.