Kathmandu has been forced to reverse a restriction it had imposed on websites such as X, YouTube, and Facebook
The Nepalese government has reversed its decision to ban social media sites, following violent protests that resulted in 19 deaths and over 400 injuries.
The protests, led by people mostly in their late teens and early 20s, broke out on Monday after several major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, were banned.
These sites were among 26 that were blocked for failing to register under new regulations, which local media reports said censored free speech.
Clashes intensified when demonstrators broke through barbed wire barriers and attempted to enter a restricted zone near parliament, prompting police to fire live rounds and tear gas, and deploy water cannons and batons, according to a Hindustan Times report.
The authorities confirmed 17 deaths in Kathmandu alone, with around 400 people injured, including over 100 police officers. “I joined for a peaceful protest, but the government responded with violence,” AFP news agency quoted a 20-year-old as saying.
“As a close friend and neighbor, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue.” India’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The ministry added that it is closely monitoring the developments in Nepal and is “deeply saddened” by the “loss of many young lives.”
After the protests, Nepal’s home minister resigned at a cabinet meeting on Monday evening. Protesters set fire to the private residence of the information and communication minister, according to local reports.
Although the government has lifted the social media ban, demonstrations persisted on Tuesday in Kathmandu, where people rallied outside parliament calling for the government’s removal or dissolution. Some protesters told reporters that their primary concerns are unemployment and corruption.
