Nepal Gen Z Protest Over Social Media Ban : Nepal was plunged into chaos this week as resentment over government ‘corruption’ boiled over following an extensive social media ban. Thousands have since taken to the streets — clashing with the police, torching government buildings and even attacking key politicians. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from his post on Tuesday morning as the agitation continued to escalate.
Anger against the government showed no signs of abating on Tuesday — with multiple politicians thrashed and their homes set on fire. Protesters also torched the home of ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and set parts of the Presidential residence on fire. Local media reported that some ministers were plucked to safety by military helicopters while videos shared online showed the crowd chasing others down streets.
Social media ban lifted
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, and government spokesperson, Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that a late-night Cabinet meeting decided to lift the social media ban. At least 19 people were killed and thousands injured after violent protests erupted in Kathmandu and other cities on Monday.
The agitation came as a response to the recent ban on several major social media platforms. Protesters broke the Parliament’s main gates, forced their way inside, and even set fire to the entrance, according to My Republica.
According to The Kathmandu Post, violent protests have prompted authorities to extend a curfew across key parts of the capital. Police responded with water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets after demonstrators threw tree branches and water bottles and shouted anti-government slogans, with some protesters reportedly managing to enter the Parliament compound, intensifying the situation.
Gen Z distances itself from violence
Organizers of the Gen Z movement — which has been mobilizing Nepal’s youth online — distanced themselves from the storming of parliament. “Those who went beyond our planned route are not recognized by us,” said organizer Ujen Raj Bhandari. The group even issued an urgent appeal on social media, urging protesters to head home safely, warning that “vested groups” had hijacked their peaceful march.
Nepal social media shutdown
Nepal’s government announced a clampdown on social media shutdown in line with other leading nations to tighten oversight of social media and check growing concern about issues such as misinformation, data privacy, online harm and national security. Critics say many of these measures risk stifling free expression, but regulators say stricter controls are needed to protect users and preserve social order. About 90% of Nepal’s 30 million people use the internet.
Nepal Gen-Z Protest LIVE: Visuals from Kathmandu
#WATCH | Nepal | Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest outside Kathmandu Parliament against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/XsGv1u6UFY
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
Nepal Gen-Z Protest LIVE: ‘We could see the violence by the police’
“We were planning to hold a peaceful protest, but as we advanced further, we could see the violence by the police. The police are firing on the people, which is against the essence of peaceful protest. Those who are sitting in power cannot impose their power on us. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which is against the freedom of speech and the right to expression. The Police have been firing at protestors…” a protestor told ANI.
Nepal Gen-Z Protest LIVE: At least 9 killed in clash
“Nine people have lost their lives as protests turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters,” ANI quoted Nepal police as saying.
Nepal Gen Z Social Media Protest Live Updates: Leading artists back protesters
Leading Nepali artists, actors, and entertainers voiced their support, further amplifying the movement.
Nepalese actor Hari Bansha Acharya posted on Facebook, saying, “Today’s youth do more than just think–they ask questions. Why did this road collapse? Who is accountable? This is not a voice against the system but against those who misuse it.” He urged political leaders to take responsibility and prepare the next generation for leadership.
The Kathmandu District Administration Office had first imposed a curfew in the Baneshwar area before expanding it to include neighbouring areas. According to The Kathmandu Post, it now covers several high-security zones, including the President’s residence (Shital Niwas), the Vice-President’s residence in Lainchaur, Maharajgunj, all sides of Singha Durbar, the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and adjacent areas. The Nepali Army was also deployed to New Baneshwor as tensions escalated shortly after the curfew was enforced.
Nepal Gen-Z Protest LIVE: Riot police clash with protesters in Kathmandu | Visuals
Riot police clash with the protesters outside the Parliament building in Kathmandu (AP Photo)
Nepal Gen-Z Protest LIVE: Former PM Prachanda slams social media ban
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred during the Gen-Z book exhibition today. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the youth who lost their life due to police firing. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal or ‘Prachanda’ wrote on X.
“Lift the ban on social media imposed by Gen-Z and immediately address the demands against corruption. The government should take responsible and concrete steps to prevent the situation from deteriorating further,” he urged.
Nepal Gen Z Social Media Protest Live Updates: One Dead and thousands injured in Kathmandu
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is facing massive protests over his recent decision to ban several social media platforms in the country.
A silent march organised by Gen Z protesters soon turned violent on Monday with many storming Parliament building and setting fire to the main gate. One person has died and thousands injured in police crackdown after the violence. Curfew has been imposed in several parts of Kathmandu
Nepal Gen-Z Protest LIVE: One killed, several others injured as police counter agitation
One person was killed and several others were injured as protest broke out in Kathmandu on Monday. Nationwide demonstrations against government corruption and a recent social media ban intensified today — with police using teargas and rubber bullets against the ‘Gen Z’ agitators.