Large-scale Demonstration in the Capital, 19 Dead; Youths Oppose Social Media Ban in Nepal

Centered around Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, youth-led protests against the government's simultaneous blocking of 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X, and WhatsApp, expanded nationwide on September 8. Security forces used live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas around the parliament area, resulting in at least 19 deaths and over 100 injuries. The government justified the action as a measure against the misuse of "unregistered platforms," although some platforms like TikTok, which are registered, remain operational. Human rights organizations condemned the move as a violation of freedom of expression, and a nighttime curfew and military deployment continue in the capital. The protests also reflect the broader discontent of the "Generation Z," including criticisms of corruption and nepotism. Hospital reports indicate noticeable gunshot wounds to the head and chest, with injured individuals including police officers. The backdrop includes a new social media bill mandating registration and increased oversight, alongside generational frustration over persistent corruption and employment stagnation. The government emphasized maintaining order through communication blackouts, but organizations like CPJ criticized it as a "dangerous precedent." Clashes continue in areas such as New Baneshwor in Kathmandu and Itahari, with the situation remaining fluid. The latest casualty figures depend on official announcements and may fluctuate. The impact on tourism and business, as well as the information access blockade for Nepalis abroad, is severe, and the protests are expected to cast a shadow over the country's political future.