Tragic Toll: 19 Lives Lost in Gen Z Protests Against Corruption and Social Media Restrictions
At least 19 people have lost their lives and many others have sustained injuries in Nepal amid violent protests against political corruption and a controversial government ban on social media platforms. Thousands of demonstrators, identifying themselves as Generation Z, gathered near the parliament in Kathmandu to voice their discontent over the ban affecting popular sites like Facebook, X, and YouTube. The protests escalated into clashes with security forces, prompting the government to respond with forceful measures.
Protests Sparked by Social Media Ban
The unrest in Nepal was ignited by the government’s decision to impose restrictions on social media platforms, which officials claim are necessary to combat fake news, hate speech, and online fraud. However, many citizens view these actions as an infringement on their rights. Demonstrators carried signs with messages such as “enough is enough” and “end to corruption,” reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of corruption and economic issues. Sabana Budathoki, a protester, emphasized that the social media ban was merely a catalyst for the larger issue of corruption that has plagued the country.
The protests drew thousands of participants, many of whom rely on social media for news, entertainment, and business. As tensions rose, some protesters attempted to breach restricted areas near the parliament, leading to confrontations with security forces. The government’s response included the use of water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Violence Erupts as Clashes Intensify
The situation escalated dramatically in Kathmandu, where police reported that 17 individuals were killed during the protests. Shekhar Khanal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police, stated that tear gas and water cannons were deployed after demonstrators crossed into restricted zones. The violence also affected local hospitals, with Ranjana Nepal, a hospital official, describing the chaos as unprecedented. Tear gas infiltrated the medical facility, complicating the treatment of injured individuals.
In response to the unrest, a curfew was imposed around the parliament area. Reports indicate that two additional fatalities occurred in the eastern city of Itahari as protests continued despite the curfew. The Nepal Army has since been deployed to assist local law enforcement in maintaining order.
Government Response and Resignations
In the wake of the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned during a cabinet meeting, citing moral grounds following the deaths linked to the protests. This resignation highlights the increasing pressure on the government to address the public’s grievances. The United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a thorough investigation into the fatalities and urged the government to reconsider its approach to regulating social media.
The UN’s spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, expressed concern over allegations of excessive force used by security personnel during the protests. The government’s stance remains that it is not outright banning social media but rather seeking to align these platforms with Nepalese law.
Social Media Ban and Public Reaction
The government’s decision to block 26 social media platforms stemmed from their failure to comply with a registration deadline set by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Since the ban was enacted, many users have struggled to access these platforms, although some have resorted to using VPNs to bypass the restrictions. As of now, two platforms have been reactivated after meeting the ministry’s requirements.
The ongoing protests reflect a deep-seated frustration among the populace regarding corruption and government accountability. Many citizens are determined to continue their demonstrations until meaningful change is achieved, signaling a critical moment in Nepal’s political landscape.
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