At least eight people were reportedly dead as protestors in Nepal clashed with the police over the government’s ban on several social media platforms.
The government has deployed the army to enforce law and order in areas of Kathmandu affected by ongoing protests, a government spokesperson confirmed on Monday.
Thousands of Gen-Z people – those currently in their teens and 20s – protested the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, leading to violent clashes that left at least eight dead and over 100 injured, according to NDTV.
The protests began in Kathmandu and spread nationwide, prompting curfews in key areas and a heavy police crackdown using rubber bullets and teargas, local media reported.
Protesters marched through Kathmandu carrying the national flag and placards bearing slogans like “Shut down corruption, not social media”, “Unban social media”, and “Youths against corruption”.
The government has accused some social media users of making fake accounts to spread hate speech, circulate false information, and engage in fraud and other illicit activities.
Reports about casualties have been conflicting: state-run Nepal Television cited one fatality and over 50 injuries, while local news outlets claimed at least six people had died.
Ekram Giri, a spokesperson for Nepal’s parliament, stated that some protesters managed to enter the parliamentary grounds but did not reach the main building. Police pushed them back, and they are now gathered on the road outside.
“We have imposed a curfew which will remain in force until 10.00pm local time to bring the situation under control after protestors began to turn violent,” Muktiram Rijal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office, told Reuters.
Police had orders to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to control the crowd, Mr Rijal said.
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