Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly 'Gen Z' Protests

By

Kathmandu, September 9, 2025 — In a swift reversal, Nepal’s government has rescinded its controversial social media ban following deadly mass protests. This highlights the country's growing generational divide and mounting frustration over governance.

Ban Reversed Amid Crisis

Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the government fully lifted the ban on major platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and WhatsApp, after the unrest spiraled out of control.


Casualties and Curfews

The protests—dubbed 'Gen Z rallies'—were sparked by youth-led outrage over a perceived digital crackdown. They resulted in at least 19 deaths and over 100 injuries in Kathmandu and beyond, with some reports indicating up to 300 people hurt. In response, authorities imposed curfews in Kathmandu and other cities to stem further violence.


Resignation of Home Minister

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking moral responsibility for the bloodshed during the protests.


Youth-Led Outcry

Primarily led by Gen Z participants, the protests—stretching from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Itahari, and Biratnagar—were driven by broader frustration over corruption, economic stagnation, and restrictions on digital expression. Protest slogans included: 'Stop the ban on social media. Stop corruption, not social media.'


Government’s Stated Intent

Officials defended the initial ban as a crackdown on platforms unregistered under new oversight rules aimed at curbing fake IDs, misinformation, and hate speech. Platforms like TikTok and Viber, which complied with registration requirements, remained unaffected.


Prime Minister’s Response

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli expressed deep sorrow at the violence, attributing the unrest to external interference by 'selfish centres.' He pledged compensation for victims' families, free treatment for the injured, and a 15-day fast-track investigation to examine the causes, assess damages, and recommend preventive measures.


Why This Matters

  1. Digital Rights vs. State Control: The incident underscores how social media has become a flashpoint for broader debates about free expression and state regulation.

  2. Youth Disillusionment: The prominence of 'Gen Z rallies' reflects the growing political assertiveness of Nepal's youth, who are fed up with corruption and limited economic opportunities.

  3. Political Accountability: The resignation of Home Minister Lekhak underscores the government's acknowledgment of accountability, though pressure may persist.

  4. International Attention: Global organizations, including the UN and Amnesty International, condemned the heavy-handed response and urged a transparent investigation and restraint.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Double Bookings Plague Druk Ride Services, Leaving Passengers Stranded

By
Image
 Passengers using the Druk Ride bus service are facing increasing instances of double bookings, with seats being sold both online and at traditional booking counters, often leading to confusion and frustration.  A driver for Bumpa Transport, which operates under the Druk Ride umbrella, highlighted the issue, stating that seats are sometimes assigned to two different people. The problem stems from a lack of real-time communication between the online booking system and the traditional ticket counters.  According to sources, counter staff are not always aware of bookings made through the mobile app.  This leads to the same seat being sold twice – once online and again at the counter.  The driver explained that counter staff should be able to check the availability of seats immediately and cross-reference with the app before issuing tickets.  Currently, this reconfirmation process is not consistently being followed, resulting in passengers who have ...
Read more

Royal Bhutan Police Foil Major Drug Trafficking Attempt in Gelephu

By
Image
 In a significant crackdown on drug-related crimes, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle controlled substances in Gelephu, leading to the arrest of four individuals. During routine surveillance, law enforcement officers apprehended a suspect found in possession of six pieces of SPM-PRX+. A swift follow-up investigation led to the arrest of three additional individuals traveling in a Bolero vehicle. Utilizing the expertise of the RBP’s specialized canine unit, officers conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. This operation uncovered a hidden stash of 136 pieces of SPM-PRX+, carefully concealed beneath the driver’s foot mat and wrapped in black plastic to evade detection. Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to their involvement in the possession and consumption of the controlled substances. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation, and the case is set to be forwarded for legal proceedings. The Royal Bhutan Po...
Read more

From Ngultrum to Millions: Your Guide to Building Wealth in Bhutan

By
Image
Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and Gross National Happiness. But did you know it also offers exciting opportunities to build wealth and achieve your financial dreams?  While the path to becoming a millionaire requires dedication and smart choices, this article explores diverse avenues for earning money in Bhutan, from online ventures to traditional businesses. Unlocking the Power of the Internet: The digital age has opened up a world of possibilities for earning. Here are a few online avenues worth exploring:    Freebitco.in and the World of Cryptocurrency : While it requires understanding and careful navigation, platforms like Freebitco.in offer a chance to earn small amounts of Bitcoin, a popular cryptocurrency.  Learning about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can potentially open doors to larger investments and trading opportunities.  Cryptocurrency investments are volatile, so tho...
Read more

Job Vacancies