Nepal witnessed a dramatic turn of events this week as the government lifted its controversial social media ban, just a day after mass protests turned deadly. At least 19 people were killed when security forces opened fire on demonstrators rallying against corruption and censorship in Kathmandu and other cities. The United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the violence, with spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani expressing alarm at the “deeply worrying allegations” of excessive force used against unarmed protesters. The protests, largely led by youth groups, erupted in response to the government’s decision to block over 20 social media platforms including WhatsApp, X, Facebook, and YouTube, a move that critics say was an attempt to stifle free speech.
In a further blow to the embattled government, Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned during an emergency Cabinet session late Monday, acknowledging the crisis had spiraled beyond control. Authorities imposed indefinite curfews in Kathmandu and several other cities, forcing schools and businesses to shut down. Yet, defiance continued as small groups of protesters clashed with police on Tuesday despite the restrictions. While the government insists the unrest was triggered by the social media ban, demonstrators say their anger is rooted in longstanding grievances — corruption, governance failures, and widening political fault lines under Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli’s leadership.
Responding to growing international pressure, Prime Minister Oli announced the formation of an investigative committee tasked with submitting a report within 15 days. He also pledged compensation for families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have urged Nepal to de-escalate tensions and adopt a rights-respecting approach to protest policing. Observers warn that while lifting the social media ban may calm immediate tensions, the government faces a far deeper challenge — restoring public trust in a political system that many Nepalese believe has failed them.
