• Source:JND
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said it is “closely monitoring” the situation in Nepal after violent protests erupted in Kathmandu and several other cities following the government’s move to ban 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and X.The MEA, in a statement, said New Delhi was “deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives” and extended condolences to the bereaved families. “We also wish a speedy recovery for those injured. As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the ministry said.

The advisory came after Nepal witnessed one of its most violent youth-led demonstrations in recent years. The protests, spearheaded by the so-called Gen Z movement, turned deadly when police opened fire to disperse demonstrators who attempted to storm the Parliament complex in New Baneshwor.

What We Know So Far?

According to Nepal Police, 17 people were killed in clashes across Kathmandu and two more died in Sunsari district in the east after security forces used live rounds. Hospitals in the capital reported receiving more than 300 injured protesters, with several in critical condition. Doctors at the National Trauma Centre, Everest Hospital, Civil Hospital and Kathmandu Medical College confirmed that wards were overflowing and patients were being referred to other medical facilities due to a shortage of beds. The Ministry of Health said at least 347 people were under treatment across different hospitals nationwide. Eyewitnesses told local media that police used water cannons, tear gas shells, rubber bullets and eventually live ammunition after a section of protesters breached barricades outside Parliament.

The violence prompted Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to step down, taking “moral responsibility” for the deaths. Lekhak, a Nepali Congress leader, submitted his resignation during a Cabinet meeting at Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s residence on Monday evening. Meanwhile, the Oli government ordered the Nepali Army to take control of sensitive areas, including roads around the Parliament and key government offices. Armoured vehicles and soldiers were seen patrolling Kathmandu overnight as authorities enforced a strict curfew in the capital and in cities such as Pokhara, Butwal, Itahari and Lalitpur. Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal issued a notice declaring that “no movement, gathering, demonstration or sit-in” would be allowed in restricted zones near Rastrapati Bhawan, the Vice-President’s residence and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Government Withdraws Social Media Ban After Cabinet Meeting

In a significant climbdown, Minister for Communication and Information Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the Cabinet had decided to revoke the controversial ban on 26 social media platforms. He said the government had “taken note of the sentiments of youths” and ordered agencies to restore access to the blocked platforms. “The government never intended to curb free speech, but only sought to bring these companies under regulation,” Prime Minister Oli said in a televised address, adding that “unwanted elements infiltrated peaceful protests and forced police to act.” Oli also announced the formation of a probe committee to investigate the circumstances of the clashes, with a report due within 15 days.

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The protests were led by school and college students under the banner of Gen Z, who argued that banning social media amounted to censorship and an attack on democratic freedoms. Demonstrators carried placards accusing the government of trying to silence dissent and raised slogans against political elites. Adding momentum to the movement, a viral online campaign called “Nepo Kid” accused the children of influential politicians of enjoying undue privileges funded by corruption. Activists said the government’s ban was an attempt to stifle such online movements.

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The violent clashes have put pressure on Prime Minister Oli’s government, which now faces mounting calls for accountability. Political analysts in Kathmandu said the withdrawal of the social media ban may temporarily calm tensions, but the deaths of 19 people will deepen public anger. For now, the Cabinet’s reversal of the ban and the Home Minister’s resignation are seen as an attempt to defuse the crisis. But questions remain over how the Oli administration will regain the trust of a generation that views social media as central to its identity, livelihood and freedom of expression.