Nepal lifts the ban on social media after the youth protest marches 19 were killed and 300 injured; PM OLI order investigation

The Nepal government has lifted its ban on social media platforms to violent protest marches that died 19 and injured more than 300. Admission was restored Monday night when officials called on protesters to end protests. Demonstrators clash with the police staff during a protest march outside Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, which condemns the ban on social media and corruption by the government. (Photo by Prabin Ranabhat / AFP) (AFP) The Nepal government on Monday announced the withdrawal of its decision to ban social media platforms after violent protest marches that were killed at least 19 and more than 300. Nepal’s Minister of Communications, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung said the Cabinet held an emergency meeting before deciding to lift the ban. He added that the Ministry of Information had instructed the relevant agencies to resume access to social media platforms in response to claims from ‘Gen Z’, which led the protests outside Parliament in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Oli announces that Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed sadness over death during recent protests led by youth, claiming that ‘infiltration by some unwanted elements in the peaceful demonstration’ forced the government to use violence to protect public property. He made it clear that “the government did not intend to ban social media sites, but to regulate them.” Oli announced the formation of a sin committee to investigate the violence, with a report expected within 15 days. Last month, the Cabinet of Nepal Social Media businesses ordered to register in the country, set up contact points and to appoint residents’ grievance and compliance officers within seven days. The government repeated its commitment to freedom of thinking and expression and said on Sunday that it wanted to “create an environment for their protection and unlimited use.” The authorities targeted 26 platforms three days ago, and the authorities banned 26 websites on social media, including Facebook and X, with reference to non-compliance with government registration requirements. Monday’s protests escalated to violence when some protesters violated the parliamentary complex. According to eyewitnesses, police replied with water cannons, tear gas and vibrant rounds. De-escalation in tension on social media, including Facebook, X and WhatsApp, has been restored from Monday night, as the government has requested protesters to withdraw their demonstration programs. This development is a temporary unbundling in the ongoing tension between Nepal’s youth and government authorities on digital freedoms. UN is asking for investigation that the United Nations asked for a quick and transparent investigation into the protests. “We are shocked by the murders and injuries of protesters in Nepal today and are insisting to insist a quick and transparent investigation,” said UN human rights spokesman Ravina Shamdasani. She added that the authorities “received deep worrying allegations of unnecessary or unnecessary use of violence by security forces.” Amnesty International reported that live ammunition was used against protesters.