Nepal Rocked by Deadly Gen Z Protests Amid Social Media Ban
Nepal Rocked by Deadly Gen Z Protests Amid Social Media Ban
Kathmandu, Nepal – At least 19 people have been killed and over 100 injured in violent clashes with security forces as thousands of young Nepalis, primarily from Generation Z, took to the streets on Monday to protest widespread government corruption and a recent ban on several social media platforms. The unrest saw demonstrators breach the Parliament building, prompting the imposition of curfews across parts of the capital, including the presidential residence.
The protests, which began Monday morning in Kathmandu’s Maitighar neighborhood, quickly escalated into confrontations with police. Witnesses reported security forces using tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, while protesters retaliated. Tragically, 19 individuals reportedly succumbed to gunshot wounds, with many others hospitalized, some in critical condition, according to local reports and hospital officials.
Underlying the demonstrations is deep-seated dissatisfaction among Nepal’s youth regarding persistent corruption, including a high-profile 2017 Airbus deal that cost the exchequer billions of rupees. The immediate spark for the widespread anger, however, was the government’s September 4th announcement of a ban on major social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, following a September 3rd deadline for them to register with the Nepali government.
The government justified the ban by citing cybercrime and the disruption of social harmony, but critics argue it’s an attempt to silence youth voices. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had earlier dismissed the youth organizers, questioning their capacity for independent thought. International human rights watchdog Amnesty International has condemned the use of lethal force and called for an independent investigation into the crackdown.
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