SAEDNEWS: At least 19 people were killed in Nepal as protests against government corruption and an internet ban turned deadly, highlighting a generational fight for digital and political freedom.
According to Saed News; Nepal faced a tragic day as protests against government corruption and a sweeping social media ban turned deadly. At least 19 people were killed, including 17 in Kathmandu and two in Sunsari district, as security forces clashed with demonstrators demanding digital freedom and accountability.
Police deployed live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and batons after protesters broke through barbed wire near Parliament. Hundreds were injured, including more than 100 officers.
“I had been there for a peaceful protest, but the government used force,” said 20-year-old Iman Magar, who lost part of her hand after being shot. Emergency vehicles rushed the wounded to local hospitals, where doctors struggled to provide care amid tear gas lingering in the area.
The protests were triggered by the government’s shutdown of 26 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Millions of Nepalis rely on social media for communication, news, and business.
For younger Nepalis, cutting off access felt like silencing an entire generation. “This isn’t just about social media – it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent,” wrote the Kathmandu Post.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned following the violence. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli previously dismissed youth organizers as incapable of independent thought, a remark that further inflamed protesters.
The curfew was imposed in parts of Kathmandu after demonstrators entered Parliament grounds, escalating tensions and highlighting the deep dissatisfaction with political corruption.
Amnesty International condemned the use of lethal force and called for an independent investigation. “We urge the authorities to exercise maximum restraint,” the statement said. The UN echoed concerns over human rights violations and demanded transparency in the government’s handling of the protests.
Nepal’s youth, especially Gen Z, view digital freedom as a fundamental right. Past restrictions, such as the nine-month TikTok ban and Telegram blocking, only heightened frustrations. Protesters wielded tree branches and water bottles, while authorities fired rubber bullets to maintain control.
The tragic events underscore the growing divide between a government struggling with corruption and a digitally connected generation demanding accountability.
The deadly protests in Nepal highlight both the urgent demand for political reform and the critical importance of digital rights. As investigations continue, the nation faces a pivotal moment, balancing security, freedom of expression, and the voices of a new generation unwilling to stay silent.
