• Source:JND
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Nepal Protests Today: At least nine killed and over 100 injured after “Gen Z protesters” stormed the Federal Parliament premises in New Baneshwor on Monday after breaking through police barricades and climbing over gates, news agency ANI reported citing police. As per the local media report, Nepal Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, who had pledged earlier to remain peaceful. 

Nepal protests: Curfew imposed in Kathmandu

As per the latest development published by the local media, the Kathmandu district Administration Office imposed a curfew from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in key areas around Baneshwor after the situation escalated.

Gen Z generation (born 1997–2012) protestors have been demonstrating in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and other cities against corruption and the government's decision to shut down social media.

The report said some youths were seen climbing onto the police guard house before security forces fired tear gas in Baneshwor. Nepal authorities are continuing efforts to remove demonstrators attempting to enter the Parliament building, The Himalyan reported.

Nepal bans social media

Nepal on Thursday banned social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube among others for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline.

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According to the notice issued by the ministry, the social media companies were given seven days from August 28 to register. Even when the deadline expired on Wednesday night, none of the large social media platforms — including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn —submitted applications.

KP Sharma Oli reacts to protests

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, addressing party representatives on the final day of a convention by the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), said that the party would “always oppose anomalies and arrogance, and would never accept any act that undermines the nation”.

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The prime minister said the party is not against social media “but what cannot be accepted is those doing business in Nepal, making money, and yet not complying with the law”, MyRepublica reported. “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty,” he said.

(With inputs from agency)