Kathmandu — Nepal’s capital witnessed one of its bloodiest days in recent memory as nationwide anger over a government social media ban exploded into violent street battles. Sixteen demonstrators were killed Monday after police confronted thousands of protesters demanding both the restoration of online platforms and accountability for entrenched corruption.
A Nation Disconnected
Since Friday, Nepalis have been cut off from several of the world’s largest social platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X. The shutdown — affecting 26 unregistered platforms — left millions of users stranded, severing avenues of communication, entertainment, and commerce. What began as digital frustration quickly spilled into the streets, with demonstrators seeing the blackout as the latest symbol of a government unwilling to listen.
From Anthem to Chaos
The rally in Kathmandu began peacefully, with protesters singing the national anthem and waving flags. But tensions escalated when crowds breached barbed wire barricades near parliament. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and baton charges. Hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties, as even medical staff found themselves choking on tear gas that seeped into their facilities.
Authorities later admitted to the use of lethal force, a move that shocked a nation already skeptical of its institutions. Reports of live ammunition being fired remain under investigation, but the death toll underscores the severity of the response.
Voices of a Generation
For many of the demonstrators, the ban was only the spark. “We were triggered by the social media shutdown, but we’re really here against corruption,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. Others described the protests as a generational reckoning, with younger Nepalis determined to end what they call an “authoritarian attitude” from leaders.
The grievances run deep. High-profile corruption scandals involving ministers and officials have eroded public trust, while viral videos contrasting the hardships of ordinary citizens with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children have intensified anger.
Government Response
The administration has defended its decision, citing a Supreme Court order requiring platforms to register locally, appoint compliance officers, and maintain a grievance system. Officials insist the restrictions are temporary and framed them as regulatory, not repressive. Yet critics argue the crackdown betrays a fear of public dissent, especially after similar anti-corruption movements abroad.
An Uncertain Path Ahead
Curfews now blanket key areas of Kathmandu, including the president’s residence and the prime minister’s office. Protests have spread beyond the capital, with parallel demonstrations erupting across several districts.
For many Nepalis, the crisis has exposed a fracture between a government bent on control and a youth unwilling to be silenced. Whether the ban remains in place or is rolled back, Monday’s bloodshed has already transformed a digital dispute into a national moment of reckoning.
