Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban Amid Bloodshed; Protests Rage On, Ex-PM’s House Torched, Curfew Returns
Latest Updates:
02:30 PM IST updates:
- Army evacuates ministers.
- Nepal Government falls, PM KP Oli resigns
- Army Chief asks PM Oli to step down, he requests for safe exit.
- PM KP Oli’s private residence set on fire.
- Nepal’s Telecom Minister, Agriculture Minister, Water Supply Minister, and Home Minister resign.
- President’s houses het on fire as protests explode.
- Former Prime Minister’s house set ablaze.
- Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is closed due to protests, with all flights cancelled, according to local portal Nepal Press.
- Several private properties of former PM’s family members including Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu set on fire
- GenZ protests in Nepal intensify on Tuesday 09-09-2025
Social Media Ban Removed, Protests Continue
Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal’s government lifted its ban on 26 major social media platforms after widespread protests shook the country. The ban had targeted Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Authorities imposed it on September 4, claiming non-compliance with new regulations. However, the youth-led demonstrations demanding the ban’s reversal and an end to corruption continue in several cities.
Violent Clashes Lead to Deaths and Injuries
On September 8, thousands of protesters gathered near Kathmandu’s federal parliament. Some entered the compound, prompting police and military forces to act. Security personnel used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live fire to disperse the crowd. These clashes resulted in 21 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Many wounded received critical care at hospitals, including the National Trauma Center.
Former Prime Minister’s House Set Ablaze
During the unrest, protesters set fire to the former Prime Minister’s residence. This act further escalated tensions across Kathmandu. In response, officials reinstated curfews in Kathmandu and other major cities such as Birgunj, Pokhara, and Butwal. Schools and public institutions suspended operations temporarily to curb further violence.
Unverified Reports of Hospital Searches and Killings
Social media platforms circulate claims, including live updates from doctors, that security forces searched hospital emergency wards for injured protesters and killed some while under treatment. There are also reports of door-to-door searches targeting suspected protesters that resulted in killings. However, no major news agencies or human rights groups have independently verified these allegations so far.
Government Responds and Calls for Calm
The Nepalese government called for peace and committed to investigating the violence. The Home Minister resigned in the aftermath, taking moral responsibility for the bloodshed. International organizations like the UN and Amnesty International urged restraint and transparency in probing the use of lethal force against protesters.
Political Turmoil and Path Forward
Although the social media ban lifted, the protests reflect a deeper dissatisfaction with governance and corruption issues. Demonstrators continue demanding systemic reforms beyond just restoring internet access. Nepal faces a critical moment as it seeks to balance public order with citizens’ rights and political freedoms.
This crisis highlights social media’s role in modern activism and the delicate task governments face when regulating digital spaces. The coming days will determine Nepal’s political stability and respect for human rights.
