Protest against social media ban in Kathmandu, government imposes curfew

Nepal’s government imposed a curfew in Kathmandu after youth protested against the social media ban. The decision sparked debate over freedom of expression and government control over digital platforms.

Kathmandu: The situation in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, went out of control on Monday when thousands of youth took to the streets and protested against the social media ban. Gen Z, i.e., the youth, participated in these protests. After clashes between the police and the protesters, the administration decided to impose a curfew.

Curfew order and affected areas

Kathmandu District Administration Chief Chhabilal Rijal issued a curfew order under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act. This curfew was in force from 12:30 pm to 10 pm on Monday.

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Curfew-affected areas

• From New Baneshwar Chowk towards the west to Everest Hotel and Bijulibajar Arch Bridge.
• From New Baneshwar Chowk towards the east to Tinkune Chowk via Min Bhawan, Shantinagar.
• From New Baneshwar Chowk towards the north via Iplex Mall to Ratna Rajya Madhyamik Vidyalaya.
• Curfew was also imposed on the south side up to Shankhamul and Shankhamul Bridge.

Restrictions under curfew

Any kind of movement, gathering, demonstration, or siege was completely banned in these areas.

Reason for the demonstration and police action

The Nepal government has recently banned 26 social media platforms because they had not registered with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. The list of banned platforms includes popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat.

Highlights of the demonstration

• The youth called this decision of the government an attack on freedom of expression.
• The protesters entered the Parliament House complex.
• The police fired water cannons and tear gas shells to disperse them.
• In response, the protesters threw water bottles and tree branches and raised anti-government slogans.

Statement of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called this decision of the government necessary to protect the sovereignty of the country. He said: “The Nepal government is not against social media, but it is unacceptable that companies are doing business in Nepal, making money, and still not following the country’s laws.”

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He also said that tampering with the country’s sovereignty and constitution will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The government says that this decision is to maintain national pride and law and order, but the youth feel that this decision is an attack on rights. Imposing a curfew may calm the situation for some time, but the dispute has now become a political and social issue.