Protests in Nepal Result 1 Dead & 50 Injured

Image: People of Nepal protest against their government over social media shutdown and corruption, Nepal, 08/09/2025. Photo: KSA Expats

SAPNews, Nepal : Related to the government’s policy to close 26 social networks, people held large demonstrations in Nepal especially in the cities of Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Pokhara caused violence resulting in one young man killed and many injured.

The demonstration happened because the government decided to close 26 social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Reddit, LinkedIn and others because they do not want to register under the new regulations.

The protesters expressed their concerns with slogans such as: “eliminate corruption”, “Do not close social networks” and “Youth against corruption”, and called for transparency and accountability of those in power.

Protesters clashed with police, eventually security authorities used tear gas, water cannons, some rubber and batons to defuse the heated situation during the demonstration.

According to Reuters, “One person was killed when Nepali police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse young people trying to enter parliament during a protest on Monday against the closure of social media and alleged government corruption. According to Reuters media, Kathmandu, 08/09/2025. Quote State TV Nepal.

The government says social media users with fake IDs spread hate speech and fake news, and commit fraud and other crimes through some platforms.

Authorities imposed a curfew around the parliament building after protesters tried to enter the legislature by breaking through police barricades.

“One person was killed and more than 50 injured in the clashes,” Nepal’s state television said. Meanwhile, local media reported that at least six people were killed.

Many protesters were injured and taken to a nearby hospital, a witness told Reuters. A group of protesters stopped a security vehicle heading to parliament and an ambulance was set on fire.

Ekram Giri, a spokesman for Nepal’s parliament, said some protesters entered the parliament compound but did not reach the main building as Police pushed them out and gathered on the road.

“We have imposed a curfew that will remain in force till 10 pm local time to control the situation after the protesters started turning violent,” Muktiram Rijal informed

“Police were ordered to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to control the crowd”.Rijal said.

Similar protests were also organized in Biratnagar and Bharatpur in the southern plains and in Pokhara. Earlier on Monday, police stopped nearly a thousand young people, including students in their school uniforms, walking to the parliament building, where demonstrations were not allowed.

The protesters carried national flags and placards with slogans such as “Shut down corruption and not social media”, “withdraw law banning social media”, and “Youth against corruption”, as they marched through Kathmandu.

Television footage showed some protesters throwing projectiles at police in riot gear and gathering in one place, while tear gas smoke filled the street. Protesters also pushed against police barricades and knocked them down.

Many in the Himalayan nation think corruption is rampant, and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has been criticized by opponents for not keeping his promises.

Nepal’s decision to shut down social media comes as governments around the world, including the US, EU, Brazil, India, China and Australia, are taking steps to strengthen oversight of social media and Big Tech due to growing concerns over issues such as misinformation, data privacy, online harm and national security.

Critics point out that many of these measures risk stifling free expression, but regulators say stricter controls are needed to protect users and preserve social order. While according to data nearly 90% of the 30 million people in Nepal are now using the internet.

Reports on the death toll are not the same as state media said 1 person died, but other sources, including some international media quoted up to 14 people killed. About fifty people were injured.

Gen Z youth see social networks as a language for education, work and freedom of speech. The Nepali people consider the government’s decision to shut down these platforms as an attempt to silence the people’s voices about corruption, nepotism and non-transparent political leadership.