Unrest in Nepal on Monday left at least 19 people dead as police clashed with protesters in Kathmandu, authorities confirmed.
The demonstrations erupted after the government imposed a social media ban, sparking anger among young people frustrated with corruption and economic stagnation. Protesters attempted to storm the parliament, breaking through barricades, setting fire to an ambulance, and hurling objects at riot police.
Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, batons, and water cannons, while the army was deployed to support law enforcement in the capital’s Singha Durbar area.
Many protesters, some wearing school or college uniforms, carried placards and flags with slogans such as “Shut down corruption and not social media” and “Youths against corruption.” Similar protests were reported in other cities, including Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara.
Among the casualties, 28 police personnel were injured, and over 100 people were receiving treatment for various injuries. Protesters transported the wounded to hospitals on motorcycles. In Itahari, two additional protesters were killed during violent demonstrations. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli convened an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the escalating unrest.
Organizers have termed the movement “demonstrations by Gen Z,” highlighting widespread frustration among young Nepalis with the government’s inability to tackle corruption, create jobs, and provide economic opportunities.
Nepalese officials defended the social media shutdown, citing failure of platforms to register with authorities and curb misuse, including hate speech, fake news, and online fraud. Approximately 90 percent of Nepal’s 30 million people use the internet, making the ban particularly impactful on youth.
The protests reflect broader global debates over social media regulation, with governments seeking to balance oversight, national security, and online safety against freedom of expression.
Many Nepalese see the demonstrations as a response to entrenched political corruption, inadequate governance, and youth disenchantment with the country’s economic prospects, particularly as thousands leave annually for work and education abroad. Despite violence abating later in the evening, protesters remained outside the parliament, emphasizing ongoing dissatisfaction with the government and its policies.
