Nepal witnessed one of its deadliest days of civil unrest in recent years after thousands of young people marched through the streets of Kathmandu and other cities to protest against government corruption and the controversial ban on social media websites. Demonstrations on Monday quickly turned violent, leaving at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured.
Protesters accused the government of silencing free speech by cutting off digital platforms that millions rely on for communication, business, and information. The unrest revealed widespread frustration among Nepal’s younger generation, who see digital access as part of their identity and rights.
Security Forces Use Lethal Force
Police opened fire on demonstrators attempting to break through barbed wire barricades near Parliament in Kathmandu. According to police spokesman Shekhar Khanal, officers shot dead 17 people in the capital, while two others were killed in Sunsari district in eastern Nepal.
Security forces also used tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and batons to disperse crowds. Witnesses said many of the casualties were young men and women who joined peaceful marches but were met with overwhelming force.
Hospitals Overwhelmed
Hospitals across Kathmandu struggled to cope with the influx of wounded protesters. At least 400 people sustained injuries, including more than 100 police officers. Emergency vehicles transported patients to facilities already stretched thin.
“I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Service Hospital. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work.”
One protester, 20-year-old Iman Magar, described his injuries: “It was not a rubber bullet but a metallic one, and it took away a part of my hand. The doctor says I need to undergo an operation.”
Home Minister Resigns Amid Chaos
Following the bloodshed, Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, acknowledging the government’s failure to prevent excessive violence. His departure has intensified calls for accountability as international pressure mounts.
Amnesty International accused Nepalese authorities of using live ammunition against civilians, while the United Nations urged a transparent investigation into the killings.
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Social Media Ban Sparks Anger
The protests were sparked by the government’s sudden ban on social media platforms, a move widely seen as an attack on digital freedom. Authorities lifted the ban on Tuesday, just a day after the deadly unrest.
Millions of young Nepalis use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for news, entertainment, and business. The Kathmandu Post summed up the sentiment: “This isn’t just about social media – it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent.”
Growing Youth Dissatisfaction
Nepal has previously restricted online platforms, including a nine-month TikTok ban that ended last August when the company agreed to comply with regulations. However, this latest move triggered unprecedented anger.
In Maitighar, one of Kathmandu’s busiest intersections and the site of the iconic Maitighar Mandala monument, protesters clashed with police in scenes that shocked the nation. Demonstrators hurled branches and water bottles while security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The bloodshed underscores Nepal’s growing political instability and the widening gap between its youth and leadership. With corruption allegations mounting and digital freedoms under threat, the protests highlight a generational demand for accountability and reform.
As Nepal lifts its social media ban, the wounds from Monday’s violence remain raw. Families mourn the dead, hospitals treat the injured, and a new wave of anger surges through a nation grappling with its democratic future.
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