Nepal is currently seeing one of its largest youth-led Nepal protests in recent history after the government imposed a ban on more than two dozen social media platforms. According to the local officials and hospitals, a minimum of 14 people have been killed and over 100 people are injured during this protest.
Although the unrest began in Kathmandu on September 5, it quickly spread to Pokhara, Dharan, Butwal, and other major cities of the country. Most protesters are from GEN Z and are marching to oppose corruption and censorship. Moreover, they are chanting, “We are the movement. We will fight against corruption.”
What Triggered the Nepal Protests?
The Oli Government ordered a ban on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn after the platforms failed to register with Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. However, Authorities highlighted the directive from the Supreme Court mandating the global tech firms to hire local compliance officers.
Some apps like Viber, TikTok, and Nimbuzz are still operational in Nepal. Still, it disrupted the livelihood of millions who depend on social media for business, education, and communication. According to The Kathmandu Post, Nepal has 13.5 million Facebook users and 3.6 million on Instagram.
Voices from the Streets
24-year-old protester Yujan Rajbhandari said, “This is not only about the ban on Social Media. It is also linked to decades of corruption”. Another 20-year-old student accused the government of adopting an authoritarian attitude and vowed her generation would not back down.
Videos regulating online show protestors breaking the barricades near the federal parliament of Nepal in New Baneshwor. In addition, they are also demanding resignation from Oli.
Government Response
Police responded with rubber bullets, teargas, and water cannons. Still, the protests only grew. Thus, the officials have also applied a curfew in sensitive areas, like Singha Durbar, Shital Niwas, Baneshwor, and Baluwatar. Moreover, they have also deployed the army in several hotspots.
The government said in the statement that it respects the freedom of expression but highlighted national sovereignty. Moreover, the Prime Minister of Nepal, Oli, also dismissed the anger. Moreover, he said that he does not care if two or four people lost their jobs.
Why It Matters for UAE Residents?
The crisis is deeply personal for the Nepali expats living in the UAE. The censorship and violence are impacting them because many have their families back home. Hence, they are seeing the situation closely.
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