Nepal, often called the “Daughter of the Himalayas,” is witnessing some of its most intense unrest in recent years, as protests against a sweeping social media ban and alleged government corruption spread across the capital, Kathmandu, and beyond. Authorities have deployed the army and imposed curfews in multiple areas in an attempt to restore order. Local officials report that at least 16 people have been killed and more than a hundred injured in clashes with security forces.
The demonstrations began on Monday morning in Kathmandu’s Baneshwor district and quickly escalated, engulfing several parts of the city. In New Baneshwor, confrontations between police and predominantly Gen Z protesters prompted the government to declare a curfew from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The restricted zone includes the official residences of the president and vice president, the historic Singha Durbar palace, and the prime minister’s residence.
Government sources say the unrest follows a decision made on August 4 to block 26 social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter) after they failed to complete a mandatory registration process within the government’s deadline. Notably, Chinese-owned TikTok remains accessible. Officials insist the move is necessary to protect national sovereignty.
Tensions flared further when protesters entered restricted areas during rallies against both the ban and alleged corruption. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba accused “reactionary and anarchist groups” of hijacking the movement.
Observers warn that the crisis reflects more than just anger over social media restrictions. Many see it as the culmination of years of frustration over corruption, governance failures, and a widening gap between the government and its people a volatile mix now pushing Nepal into deeper political instability.
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