Nepal Police Open Fire on Protesting Social Media Ban, Killing 17
At least 17 people killed and over 400 injured as Nepal police clash with protesters demanding the government lift social media ban and address corruption.
Kathmandu: In a shocking turn of events in Nepal, police have opened fire on protesting youth, resulting in at least 17 deaths and over 400 injuries.
The incident occurred on Monday when thousands of young protesters took to the streets of Kathmandu demanding that the government lift a social media ban and address corruption issues.
Several popular social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter), have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday.
This is after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leading to widespread discontent among users.
When the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire barriers and attempted to storm a restricted area near parliament, police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and batons.
According to Shekhar Khanal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police, 17 people lost their lives in this incident.
Over 400 individuals sustained injuries, including more than 100 police officers.
Protesters and eyewitnesses described the events as peaceful until the government forces used excessive force.
Many of those injured required medical attention, with several undergoing emergency surgeries.
Hospitals in Kathmandu reported an influx of patients, with some areas affected by tear gas, which made it challenging for doctors to treat the wounded.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many condemning the use of force against unarmed protesters and lamenting the loss of young lives.
Amnesty International called for a thorough, independent investigation into the deaths and highlighted the fact that live ammunition was used during the clashes.
In response to the protests, the district administration imposed curfews in key areas of Kathmandu, including around parliament, the president's residence, and Singha Durbar, where the Prime Minister's office is located.
Some demonstrators managed to breach the parliament premises, with the gate being vandalized.
Protests were not limited to Kathmandu; similar demonstrations took place across various districts in Nepal.
Social media platforms have been a vital source of entertainment, news, and business for millions of Nepalese users.
The protesters' demands extend beyond the removal of the social media ban to address deep-seated corruption that has permeated all levels of government.
Demonstrations began with national anthem singing and flag waving, transitioning into chants against the social media blockage and calls for an end to corruption.
Several recent cases of corruption involving ministers and high-ranking officials have been widely publicized, leading to mounting dissatisfaction among the population.
Videos circulating on platforms like TikTok, which remains operational in Nepal despite the ban, highlight the stark contrast between the daily struggles of common Nepalese citizens and the luxurious lifestyles of political elites.
This disparity has fueled further frustration and anger towards governmental policies.
The government had given registered social media companies a seven-day deadline last month to adhere to registration requirements and establish local contact points.
These measures were implemented following a Supreme Court ruling in September 2022, which ordered such compliance from the platforms.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nepalese government affirmed its commitment to freedom of thought and expression while emphasizing efforts to 'create an environment for their protection and unfettered use.'
This incident is not the first time Nepal has restricted access to online platforms.
The country blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing concerns over increased fraud and money laundering activities.
However, a ban on TikTok was lifted in August 2022 after the platform agreed to follow Nepalese regulatory requirements.
The incident occurred on Monday when thousands of young protesters took to the streets of Kathmandu demanding that the government lift a social media ban and address corruption issues.
Several popular social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter), have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday.
This is after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leading to widespread discontent among users.
When the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire barriers and attempted to storm a restricted area near parliament, police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and batons.
According to Shekhar Khanal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police, 17 people lost their lives in this incident.
Over 400 individuals sustained injuries, including more than 100 police officers.
Protesters and eyewitnesses described the events as peaceful until the government forces used excessive force.
Many of those injured required medical attention, with several undergoing emergency surgeries.
Hospitals in Kathmandu reported an influx of patients, with some areas affected by tear gas, which made it challenging for doctors to treat the wounded.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many condemning the use of force against unarmed protesters and lamenting the loss of young lives.
Amnesty International called for a thorough, independent investigation into the deaths and highlighted the fact that live ammunition was used during the clashes.
In response to the protests, the district administration imposed curfews in key areas of Kathmandu, including around parliament, the president's residence, and Singha Durbar, where the Prime Minister's office is located.
Some demonstrators managed to breach the parliament premises, with the gate being vandalized.
Protests were not limited to Kathmandu; similar demonstrations took place across various districts in Nepal.
Social media platforms have been a vital source of entertainment, news, and business for millions of Nepalese users.
The protesters' demands extend beyond the removal of the social media ban to address deep-seated corruption that has permeated all levels of government.
Demonstrations began with national anthem singing and flag waving, transitioning into chants against the social media blockage and calls for an end to corruption.
Several recent cases of corruption involving ministers and high-ranking officials have been widely publicized, leading to mounting dissatisfaction among the population.
Videos circulating on platforms like TikTok, which remains operational in Nepal despite the ban, highlight the stark contrast between the daily struggles of common Nepalese citizens and the luxurious lifestyles of political elites.
This disparity has fueled further frustration and anger towards governmental policies.
The government had given registered social media companies a seven-day deadline last month to adhere to registration requirements and establish local contact points.
These measures were implemented following a Supreme Court ruling in September 2022, which ordered such compliance from the platforms.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nepalese government affirmed its commitment to freedom of thought and expression while emphasizing efforts to 'create an environment for their protection and unfettered use.'
This incident is not the first time Nepal has restricted access to online platforms.
The country blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing concerns over increased fraud and money laundering activities.
However, a ban on TikTok was lifted in August 2022 after the platform agreed to follow Nepalese regulatory requirements.
