Nepal lifts social media ban as Gen Z protests rock Kathmandu
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Kathmandu: The Nepal government on Monday announced the withdrawal of its earlier decision to ban social media platforms, following violent youth-led protests that left at least 19 people dead and over 300 injured.
Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the Cabinet, in an emergency meeting, decided to lift the ban and ordered concerned agencies to resume access to the social media sites, in response to demands from the Gen Z group leading the massive demonstrations in front of the Parliament in central Kathmandu.
Three days ago, the government had banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X, citing their failure to register with the authorities.
Gurung also urged the protesting Gen Z group to withdraw their demonstration program. The protest on Monday escalated into violence when some participants entered the Parliament complex, prompting police to deploy water cannons, tear gas, and live rounds to disperse the crowds, according to eyewitness accounts.
Social media platforms including Facebook, X, and WhatsApp resumed operations on Monday night following the government’s announcement.
With PTI inputs