Kathmandu, Nepal – September 9, 2025:
At least 19 people were killed on Monday as protests over a government-imposed social media shutdown escalated into violent clashes with security forces in Nepal’s capital. Youth demonstrators, many clad in school and college uniforms, stormed the parliament complex in Kathmandu, setting fire to an ambulance and hurling objects at police lines. Authorities responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons, while the army was deployed to bolster law enforcement efforts. The unrest reflects growing frustration among Nepal’s younger generation over perceived corruption and restricted digital freedoms.
The protest began earlier in the day when thousands of young people took to the streets of Kathmandu, carrying flags and placards with slogans such as “Shut down corruption and not social media” and “Youths against corruption.” Organizers, who describe the movement as a “Gen Z demonstration,” argue that the protests are a direct response to the government’s failure to tackle systemic corruption and provide adequate economic opportunities. The government’s recent decision to block major social media platforms, including Facebook, was cited as the final trigger, amid accusations that the platforms failed to comply with new registration regulations.
Police Officer Shekhar Khanal told Reuters that more than 100 people—including 28 police personnel—were receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the clashes. Protesters used motorcycles to ferry the injured to nearby hospitals, while eyewitnesses described indiscriminate police firing. “The police have been firing indiscriminately,” a protester told ANI news agency. “(They) fired bullets which missed me but hit a friend who was standing behind me. He was hit in the hand.”
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting in response to the unrest. A curfew was imposed, covering Kathmandu’s key administrative area, including Singha Durbar where the prime minister’s office and government buildings are located. Muktiram Rijal, spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office, confirmed that the curfew would remain in force until 10 p.m. local time. The protests did not remain confined to the capital, spreading to cities such as Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara.
This wave of unrest occurs against the backdrop of long-standing public dissatisfaction with the Oli government, particularly over its perceived failure to address widespread corruption and unemployment. Experts note that the protest movement draws significant momentum from young Nepalis, many of whom leave the country for work or education due to limited opportunities at home. Former finance secretary Rameshwore Khanal remarked that the protest reflects broader frustration over government appointments and a lack of concrete anti-corruption measures.
The Nepalese government justified the social media ban by stating that platforms failed to register as required and were being misused to spread fake news, hate speech, and fraudulent activities. However, critics argue that such restrictions risk curbing freedom of expression and set a dangerous precedent, especially at a time when governments worldwide are grappling with the regulation of Big Tech and social media platforms amid growing concerns over misinformation and national security.
While violence reportedly subsided later in the evening, hundreds of protesters remained near the parliament complex, refusing to back down. Observers say the unrest is likely to have long-term political implications, as Nepal’s youth continue to demand accountability and structural reform.
