Gen Z Revolution Erupts in Nepal: Deadly Protests in Kathmandu Over Corruption and Ban on 26 Social Media Platforms
On Monday, protests over the government's alleged corruption and the recent ban on many major social media platforms erupted in Kathmandu. They are led by Generation Z activists.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 8: In Nepal, Gen Zers are leading a large-scale protest against the corruption of the KP Sharma Oli government. It also includes the recent decision to ban 26 social media sites.
Police Firing Leaves Dozens Injured and Several Protesters Dead
After starting online, protesters and police clashed in the area of Parliament on Monday. More than 100 protestors were injured and at least 16 protesters were killed when security forces opened fire at the crowd.
According to a government official, the Nepal Army has been sent in to maintain peace and order in Kathmandu's protest zones.
Government Defends Ban, Citing National Security
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli justifies the government's decision to ban social media sites that aren't registered. He says that any attempt to undermine the nation can never be tolerated.
Oli also adds, “The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty.”
The protests have been called the 'Gen Z Revolution'. Thousands of young protesters have flooded the roads of Kathmandu. A number of others broke through police barricades and entered the restricted areas. Authorities have imposed a curfew in the city. The police fired at several sites as the protests intensified.
Social Media Shutdown Sparks Anger, Major Platforms Unregistered
On September 4, the government decided to prohibit 26 social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Twitter. This is for not registering with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. This decision started the Gen Z-led campaign.
The ministry said in a notice that social media businesses have seven days starting on August 28 to register. But even after the deadline passed on Wednesday night, none of the major platforms submitted applications. It includes Reddit, LinkedIn, X, Alphabet (YouTube), Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).
Officers used tear gas and water cannons as the angry crowd pushed through barricades police had set up. The protestors approached Parliament on Monday. Some protestors were able to enter the Parliament compound despite the chaos.
One of the Parliament's gates was damaged by protesters. They then set it on fire. Images taken from the scene show dense black smoke rising from the area.
Curfew Imposed
The Kathmandu District Administration Office issues a curfew in a number of locations. It includes places such as Maitighar, Baneshwar, and the areas close to important government buildings. This is in accordance with Section 6 of the Local Administration Act. The order prohibits public gatherings and movement between 12:30 and 10:00 p.m.
In order to maintain security and vigilance, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has increased monitoring along the India-Nepal border also.
