At least 19 people have been killed during demonstrations in the government’s ban on dozens of online platforms, including, Whatsapp and X.
The government imposed a ban on social networking sites last week, blocking access to the platforms, including Facebook, having announced that they had not registered with the relevant government lists.
“We have recalled the closure of social media. They are operating now, “a spokesman for the Council of Ministers and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Prithi Suba Gucung, told Reuters. All applications were available this morning in Nepal, Reuters confirmed.
The protesters have also called on the people to participate in rallies in memory of those killed in yesterday’s mobilizations. It is currently unknown whether Oli’s resignation will calm them down.
‘Remove corruption, not social media’
Young protesters broke barricades and entered the Kathmandu Parliament complex, set fire to an ambulance and launched objects against the police forces.
Police responded with tear gas, water throws and plastic bullets, while the army was deployed in the area to enhance security. According to police, 28 police officers are among the injured. Two more deaths were recorded in the city of Ithari, in the eastern country, where the mobilizations took a violent turn.
Prime Minister CP Sarma Oli convened an extraordinary cabinet, and a ban on traffic was imposed on the Singga Durbar government district by 10pm. The demonstrations, which the organizers call them “mobilizations”, began with the participation of thousands of young people, many of whom were wearing school or student uniforms.
With slogans such as “Remove Corruption, Not Social Media” and “Young People Against Corruption”, the marches spread to other cities, such as beaters, Baratpur and Pokara.
The government decided last week to block Facebook and other platforms, arguing that they had not been registered with the competent authorities and were used for misinformation, rhetoric and scams. This move angered young people in a country where 90% of the population uses the internet.
Analysts point out that the rage of the protesters is more linked to the government’s inability to tackle corruption and manage appointment policies than exclusively with employment issues.
Fire in parliament
The Prime Minister of the Asian country resigned as the protesters carried out arson and vandalism in various central points of the tiny Himalayan nation, including the houses of leading politicians and in parliament.
In Kathmandu, clashes broke out with police when protesters broke the dams and tried to invade the parliament building and set fire to the gate.
Police reacted with deadly and, according to complaints, inquisitive violence, shooting with real ammunition and tear gas, as well as hitting protesters with globes, plastic bullets and hydrouns.
Most lost their lives in the clashes in Kathmandu, but two were killed when the demonstrations became violent in the eastern city of Ithari. Over 200 people were injured and hospitalized.
The protesters set fire to the home of President Ram Chandra Pudel and the Prime Minister. Video have appeared on social media showing protesters wandering around the president’s home and vandalizing it.
🚨Nepal
President’s House attacked by Gen Z protesters, mirroring the chaos seen during Sri Lanka’s crisis.The unrest reflects deep public anger and political instability.
– Janta Journal (@Jantajournal)
The houses of former Nepal prime ministers, Paspa Kamal Dahal, also known as Pratzanda, and Sir Bahadur Deuba, as well as Energy Minister Dimbak Hadka, also suffered damage to the protesters.
In addition, the operation of the capital’s international airport has been interrupted.
At the same time, the army leadership is in urgent consultations, after which it will announce its stance on riots scanning the country, according to the Nepal News website.
Traffic ban has been imposed on many parts of the country, including the capital, after protesters threw stones and marched on the streets for a second consecutive day.
