At least 13 people have died and dozens more have been injured in Nepal after protests against a government ban on social media platforms descended into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, according to officials.
Thousands of young protesters, describing themselves as Generation Z, gathered near the parliament building in Kathmandu to oppose the government’s move to restrict access to platforms including Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.
Nepal’s Minister for Communication, Prithvi Subba, told the BBC that police had been forced to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to control the crowds. Authorities insist the restrictions are aimed at curbing fake news, hate speech and online fraud.
But platforms such as Instagram, widely used in Nepal for entertainment, information and business, remain hugely popular. Protesters carried placards declaring “enough is enough” and “end to corruption,” with many accusing the government of adopting authoritarian tactics.
As the rally moved into a restricted zone near parliament, some demonstrators scaled the perimeter wall. Police spokesman Shekhar Khanal told AFP that security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons after protesters breached the area.
A spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office confirmed a curfew was imposed in key areas surrounding parliament after attempts to storm the building. Army spokesman Rajaram Basnet told the BBC that a small contingent of soldiers was also deployed on the streets once the curfew was enforced.
The unrest follows a government order last week blocking 26 social media platforms for failing to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Since Friday, users have faced widespread difficulties accessing services, although some have bypassed restrictions using VPNs. Two platforms have since been restored after complying with registration requirements.
The government has maintained that it is not imposing an outright ban but seeking to bring platforms under Nepali law.
Source: BBC
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