Nepal in Turmoil: Protests Erupt Over Social Media Ban and Political Corruption

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:23:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tension escalates in Kathmandu as soldiers enforce curfew amid violent protests triggered by a social media ban. The situation intensified after police were accused of killing demonstrators, resulting in a significant political shake-up.

In Kathmandu, the streets are under military control following violent protests against a government-imposed social media ban. Casualties rise as demonstrators express outrage over police brutality and political corruption, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. The protests reflect deep-seated frustrations among youth stemming from unemployment and perceived privileges of political elites.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Armed soldiers guarded the streets of Nepal’s capital on Wednesday, ordering residents to remain indoors as authorities sought to restore order following a wave of violent protests that saw tens of thousands storming and setting fire to government buildings.

The heightened military presence in key areas of Kathmandu brought a semblance of control to a city previously engulfed in chaos. The army, which had been largely inactive, took a more prominent role after local police struggled to manage the escalating unrest.

Late on Tuesday, military officials issued an announcement emphasizing their commitment to maintaining law and order. Soldiers enforced a curfew, inspecting vehicles and ensuring compliance, while reports indicated the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of looting.

The protests, marked by increasing violence, erupted following the government's decision to block several social media platforms, igniting anger among the populace. This escalated further as demonstrators set fire to government buildings and attacked politicians' residences. Amidst growing unrest, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned, though this did little to quell the outrage.

Despite the protests being triggered by a social media ban, the underlying dissatisfaction reflects wider societal issues. Youth frustrations have been growing over political corruption and the luxurious lifestyles of political elites' children, dubbed 'nepo kids,' contrasting sharply with the struggles of ordinary citizens seeking employment.

The government lifted the social media ban in response to the protests, but public anger persisted, culminating in further demonstrations. The violence intensified when police fired on crowds, resulting in 19 fatalities and numerous injuries.

In a bid to address the rapid escalation of unrest, President Ram Chandra Poudel appealed for peaceful resolution and cooperation from protesters. He accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Oli and announced that Oli would now lead a caretaker government while a new administration is formed.

As protests continued late into the night with tens of thousands blocking roads and storming government facilities, army helicopters were employed to evacuate politicians to safety. Videos circulated online showed the disturbing aftermath of the protests, including assaults on political figures.

The government is now attempting to regulate social media more closely, proposing legislation aimed at managing platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube more stringently. However, critics argue that these measures serve as tools for censorship, with rights groups expressing concern over the implications for freedom of expression.

The current unrest in Nepal underscores significant political and social tensions, spotlighting deep-rooted frustrations among the youth population who feel neglected by the very leaders they elected to represent them.