Nepal lifts ban on social media after violent protests leave 20 dead, 250 injured
PTC News Desk: Nepal government has lifted the ban on social media following violent clashes of protestors with security forces, leaving 20 people dead and over 300 injured.
Cabinet spokesman and Minister of Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said early on Tuesday that the government had rolled back the social media ban imposed last week.
“We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” Gurung said.
Labeled the “Gen Z” protests for the heavy involvement of students and young adults, thousands took to the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities on Monday to oppose the social media ban as well as broader issues like corruption and economic hardship.
The demonstrations in Kathmandu turned violent when police used live ammunition, tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and batons against protesters who tried to breach the parliament complex. Nationwide, over 100 people were reported injured—though some accounts suggest the number could be as high as 400, including several police personnel.
The ban had blocked 26 media sites, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube in a bid by the government to tackle misinformation, fraud, and hate speech.
- With inputs from agencies
