Social Media Ban Sparks Violence

In Nepal, a ban on social media has led to severe unrest. Last Thursday, citing technical reasons, the Nepal government imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X. This move cut off communication between Nepalis abroad, who depend on these platforms for education and employment, and their families back home. The decision has deeply angered the youth of Nepal.

In response, young people surrounded the Nepal Parliament. On Monday, large-scale protests erupted in Kathmandu, the capital, as well as in ten other cities across the country. Demonstrations launched by youth groups opposing the KP Sharma Oli government escalated into violence. At the gates of the Nepal Parliament, clashes broke out between protesters and security forces.

Reports suggest that one person was killed and up to 100 people were injured in the violence. In Kathmandu, protesters breached government-designated restricted zones. As part of the protest, a large number of young people even stormed into the country’s highest legislative body. This reflects just how intense the backlash against the social media ban has become.

Today, young people find it nearly impossible to spend even a moment without social media. Treating social media as essential, the government’s decision to ban it has fueled widespread outrage among the youth. With public dissent rising across the nation, the question remains: will the government reconsider its stance on social media, or will it further provoke unrest?