Social Media Ban Sparks Nationwide Protests in Nepal

Photo courtesy of The Globe and Mail

Nepal is once again facing political instability, a situation that has become common in its troubled modern history. A sweeping government crackdown on social media and communication platforms, combined with violent clashes between Gen Z-led protesters and state security forces, has led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. In just two days, Nepal has fallen into widespread unrest that resembles past turmoil in neighboring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This situation raises concerns about the Himalayan republic’s fragile democracy and its geopolitical implications in the region.

The immediate spark for the protests was the government’s decision to block 26 major social media and communication platforms unless they registered with Nepal’s authorities. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology set a seven day deadline from August 28 for companies such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, Reddit and LinkedIn to finish their registration. When the deadline ended on September 4, no global platform had complied. As a result, the government decided to enforce a blanket ban on unregistered platforms, which sparked outrage across the country. While TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz and Popo Live registered and Telegram and Global Diary were under review, almost all other platforms – those most popular with Nepali youth – were blocked overnight.

This was not Nepal’s first attempt at digital control. In 2018, the government banned pornographic websites. In November 2023, TikTok was banned for allegedly disrupting social harmony, a decision reversed in August 2024 after TikTok executives agreed to comply with local laws. This time, however, the stakes were higher: the ban was based on a Supreme Court ruling and cabinet directives, making it far more sweeping and politically charged.

 Nepal’s streets have been a stage for political change for a long time. The country has witnessed major movements for democracy, including the 1990 People’s Movement, the decade-long Maoist insurgency from 1996 to 2006 and the 2006 uprising that brought an end to centuries of monarchy and established a federal, secular republic. However, even with these important changes, Nepali democratic leaders have often not met the public’s expectations. Corruption, political instability and conflicts among the elite have left citizens, especially the younger generation, feeling frustrated and disillusioned.

The Gen Z protesters’ slogans such as “KP thief, leave the country” and “Take action against corrupt leaders” were not just directed at Oli but at the entire political class. This generation, more digitally connected and politically vocal than any before, sees social media not just as entertainment but as a vital space for political expression and mobilization. Blocking it was seen as an attack on their voice.

 On the morning of September 8, thousands of young protesters poured into the streets of Kathmandu chanting slogans and demanding accountability. The government responded swiftly and harshly. The Kathmandu District Administration imposed curfews in key areas and similar restrictions followed in Pokhara, Itahari and other cities. Security forces, backed by the Nepali Army, were deployed to prevent demonstrators from entering restricted zones, including the parliament premises.

But far from quelling the protests, these measures inflamed them. By the afternoon clashes erupted, with protesters breaking through barricades and security forces resorting to rubber bullets and, eventually, live ammunition.

 The protests quickly turned violent. On September 9, the second day of demonstrations, the situation worsened dramatically. According to reports, at least 19 people, mostly young protesters, were killed and more than 400 were injured, including both civilians and police officers. The brutality of the crackdown drew condemnation from both the public and international observers.

In Kathmandu and other cities, protesters began targeting symbols of political power. The Supreme Court building, party offices and residences of key leaders were vandalized and set ablaze. The homes of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress) and former President Pushpa Kamal Dahal (CPN-Maoist Center) were attacked, showing that public anger extended far beyond Oli.

The parliament building itself came under assault while reports of widespread looting and arson emerged. The Nepali Army was forced to evacuate ministers using helicopters as mobs overran parts of the capital.

Facing growing casualties, public anger and international criticism, the prime minister announced his resignation on September 9. In his resignation letter, Oli mentioned that he was stepping down to address the serious situation in the country and to help advance the search for a constitutional political solution.

However, the resignation did not ease the unrest. The protesters, encouraged by Oli’s departure, kept demonstrating against the broader political system. Similar to the movements in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this protest shifted from specific issues like the social media ban to a complete rejection of political leaders viewed as corrupt and unresponsive.

Reactions at home and abroad

 The Human Rights Commission of Nepal issued a statement reminding the government of its constitutional obligation to protect peaceful expression and criticizing the use of excessive force. Civil society leaders, too, warned that the crackdown was damaging Nepal’s democratic reputation and risking long term instability.

Within the political class, cracks appeared quickly. Gagan Kumar Thapa, general secretary of the Nepali Congress and a member of Oli’s coalition, blamed the prime minister for the violence and called his repression “condemnable and unforgivable.” The main opposition, CPN (Maoist Center), demanded his resignation outright.

Regionally, both India and China are closely monitoring the crisis. Nepal’s strategic location between the two Asian giants has always made it a geopolitical flashpoint. Both New Delhi and Beijing have historically interfered in Nepali politics, and their next moves will shape the country’s trajectory in the coming weeks.

 Nepal’s crisis fits into a broader South Asian pattern of youth-led uprisings against entrenched political elites. In Sri Lanka, the aragalaya protest in 2022 over economic collapse led to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the government. In Bangladesh, protests over job quotas in 2023 escalated into a mass movement that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office in August 2024.

In both cases, the state’s heavy handed responses only fueled greater resistance. What makes Nepal’s case unique is the speed of events whereas Sri Lanka and Bangladesh saw months of demonstrations before leaders fell, Oli was ousted in just two days.

This rapid escalation underscores both the volatility of Nepal’s politics and the power of a digitally mobilized generation unwilling to accept repression.

Immediate consequences

• Flights cancelled: Tribhuvan International Airport suspended all flights on September 9 due to security concerns although officials insisted the airport itself was not closed.
• Political vacuum: Oli’s resignation leaves a power vacuum with no clear successor acceptable to both protesters and the political establishment.
• Economic impact: The shutdown of digital platforms and the political unrest risk further weakening Nepal’s fragile economy, heavily dependent on remittances, tourism and trade with its neighbors.
• Security concerns: With arson and vandalism spreading, the Nepali Army has urged restraint and appealed for dialogue but fears of further escalation remain high.

Lessons learnt and the road ahead

• Digital rights and democracy are intertwined: Attempts to control or restrict digital platforms, especially without consultation, are seen as direct attacks on freedom of expression in today’s world.
• Youth power cannot be ignored: Gen Z in Nepal has emerged as a decisive political force. Their ability to mobilize rapidly, both online and offline, means governments can no longer dismiss their demands.
• Repression backfires: As in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the use of force only intensified opposition and hastened the fall of the leadership.
• Fragile political institutions: Nepal’s repeated cycles of protest and instability show the weakness of its democratic institutions. Without reforms to address corruption, accountability and inclusiveness such crises will recur.
• Geopolitical stakes: India and China will be key players in what happens next. Both have strong interests in ensuring Nepal remains stable but may seek to shape outcomes to their advantage. 

Healing, reform and vigilance

Nepal’s Gen Z uprising started from digital repression and grew from a wider disappointment with corruption and elitism. The government’s effort to control online expression backfired dramatically. It led to the prime minister’s downfall, restored access and reignited public demand for democratic integrity.

The resignation of Oli signals another significant moment in Nepal’s recent political history. What began as a battle over social media registration has turned into a national revolt against corruption, repression and political stagnation.

As the dust settles, Nepal faces critical questions: Can its leaders channel the energy of Gen Z into constructive political reform? Will institutions be strengthened or will the cycle of instability repeat? And how will external powers shape Nepal’s path in the months ahead?

For now, the country stands on uncertain ground. The world watches closely as Nepal navigates yet another chapter of upheaval, hoping that this time the outcome will be a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

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