- By Shubham Bajpai
- Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:45 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Nepal government on late Monday night lifted ban on social media after massive protests led to deadly clashes between the youth and security forces, leaving 19 dead and over 250 injured.
The agitation started with demonstrators gathering at Maitighar in Kathmandu at around 9:00 AM. They voiced their dissent against the ban on 26 social media apps and broader governance issues like corruption.
The protest quickly turned violent as demonstrators attempted to forcefully enter the Parliament building, setting fire to its entrance. A car was also set on fire.
Seeing the deteriorating situation, police resorted to water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition from inside the building to disperse the crowd. Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu alone, while two deaths were recorded in Sunsari district.
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As the situation turned grim, a curfew was imposed across several districts to curb further unrest. In Rupandehi, the administration enforced curfews in Butwal and Bhairahawa from 4 PM to 10 PM, restricting gatherings, rallies, protests, meetings, and sit-ins within designated zones.
In Sunsari district, curfew was ordered around Itahari's main square from 3:30 PM until further notice, reflecting the intensity of the protests outside Kathmandu.
In the evening, PM KP Sharma Oli held a Cabinet meeting in which Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation, taking moral responsibility for the untoward development.
During the meeting, the discussion was held on lifting the ban on social media apps after which the government eventually yielded to the protestors' demands.
(With inputs from agencies)
