Kathmandu, Sept 8, 2025 – Nepal witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests on Monday as thousands of youths flooded the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities, rallying against the government’s decision to ban social media platforms and against mounting corruption.
In a dramatic escalation, protesters stormed the Parliament House, occupying two of its gates for the first time in Nepal’s history. Police resorted to multiple rounds of firing to disperse the crowd, leading to chaos and injuries. A curfew was swiftly imposed in areas surrounding the Parliament, the residences of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister.
Voices Against PM KP Oli Grow Louder
The protests erupted days after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
Authorities justified the move, citing the rise of cybercrime, fake news, and misleading content. However, critics argue the ban is an attempt to curb free speech, dissent, and press freedom in the country.
PM Oli defended the decision, stating, “We are not against social media, but companies operating in Nepal must respect our laws. They earn money here but refuse compliance.”
Which Apps Survived the Ban?
Some platforms, including TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live, escaped the crackdown after meeting Nepal’s registration and compliance requirements. TikTok, which was earlier banned in 2023, returned after signing an agreement with the government.
Political Fallout: Home Minister Resigns
The unrest has triggered a political crisis. Home Minister Ramesh Shrestha resigned, taking “moral responsibility” for the violence and losses during the protests. His resignation has further fueled questions about the government’s stability.
China-Style Censorship in Nepal?
Observers note Oli’s close ties with Beijing, with speculation that the Nepali government is seeking to implement a China-style censorship model. Reports suggest a draft bill is being prepared to bring all digital platforms under strict government monitoring.
Youth movements are at the center of this unrest. The “Hami Nepal” group, led by Soddhan Gurung, organized Monday’s demonstrations, calling them a fight against corruption, censorship, and “Napo Babies” politics—a term trending online to criticize nepotism in Nepali politics.
The Gen-Z Revolt
The protests, largely driven by Gen-Z youth, reflect growing frustration with unemployment, corruption, and suppression of digital freedom. For many young Nepalis, social media is not just a communication tool but also a livelihood source, especially for tourism, startups, and content creators.
As demonstrations continue, international observers warn that Nepal may be heading towards its biggest youth-led political crisis in decades.
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