Deadly clashes in Nepal as protesters decry social media ban, corruption

At least 19 people have been killed and dozens more injured in Nepal after mass demonstrations against political corruption and a sweeping government social media ban spiraled into violent clashes with security forces in the capital.

Thousands of mostly young protesters — many identifying themselves as part of “Generation Z” — converged near the parliament building in Kathmandu on Saturday, defying restrictions to demand greater accountability from leaders and the reinstatement of access to popular platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube.

Witnesses said the crowds, waving banners and chanting slogans, initially marched peacefully before tensions escalated when police blocked access to key government buildings.

Security forces responded with water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators, according to Nepal’s Minister for Communication, Prithvi Subba.

“Police had to use force because the protesters tried to break through security lines and threatened public safety,” Subba told the BBC.

“We regret the loss of lives, but law and order had to be maintained.”

Hospitals in Kathmandu reported being overwhelmed with casualties, with doctors treating head injuries, broken bones and gunshot wounds from rubber bullets.

Protest leaders accused police of using excessive force, calling the crackdown “a brutal attempt to silence young voices.”

The protests were triggered by the government’s sudden decision earlier this week to block access to major social media networks, a move officials said was necessary to curb disinformation, hate speech and online fraud.

Critics, however, argue the ban is an attempt to stifle dissent at a time when frustration over corruption, unemployment and the rising cost of living is already boiling over.

“This is not just about Facebook or YouTube — this is about our freedom,” said 21-year-old student activist Ramesh Khatri, speaking from a protest site. “Our leaders are corrupt, and now they are trying to take away our only space to speak.”

Rights groups condemned the violence and urged the Nepali government to reverse the social media restrictions. Human Rights Watch said in a statement that blocking platforms “cuts off a vital avenue of expression in a fragile democracy and risks fueling further unrest.”

The clashes mark the deadliest political violence in Nepal in recent years and highlight deepening public distrust in a government that has struggled to deliver stability since the end of the country’s civil war in 2006.

Analysts warn that if the administration does not address the grievances of the country’s youth, unrest is likely to spread beyond Kathmandu.

As night fell, police maintained a heavy presence across the capital, with checkpoints and barricades erected to prevent further gatherings.

Despite the crackdown, organizers vowed to continue their campaign until the government lifts the ban and addresses corruption allegations.

“This is just the beginning,” said protest leader Sushma Adhikari. “They can block our apps, but they cannot block our anger.”