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Violence erupted after the government banned social media platforms, sparking widespread anger among youth. Clashes with police left 16 dead and over 100 injured, shaking the nation. Read an exclusive analysis by veteran journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash.
Kathmandu: Nepal is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. The violence, which began today on Monday, has shaken the entire country. The ban imposed on social media platforms has sparked deep anger among the public, especially the youth. The protests became so violent that police and protesters confronted each other on the streets. The situation escalated to the point where protesters reached the Parliament House and began vandalizing it. The police had to resort to lathi charges, tear gas, and finally gunfire to control the crowd. According to official figures, 16 people have died so far, and more than a hundred have been injured, including journalists and security personnel.
Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash said in his show 'The MTA Speaks' the pictures that emerged today from Nepal's capital Kathmandu are a warning bell for any democratic country. Youth crossing the walls of the Parliament House, clashes with the police, curfew, arson and increasing number of casualties, seeing all this, the question arises that where did the spark of this fire arise from? Whatever happened in Nepal looks like a Xerox copy of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The reason for the outbreak of violence or rebellion everywhere was social media. The reason for the rebellion in Nepal is also the ban on social media. The government's decision filled the youth with anger and within no time, crowds thronged the streets. Now the discussion is why similar pictures are being seen in all four places - Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and now Nepal? Have social media companies become so powerful that they can shake up the politics of any country, even create a situation of a coup?
People are calling this movement going on in Nepal a 'Gen-Z Revolution'. The reason is clear, it is being led by youth and students. The government banned 26 social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter i.e. X, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube. Then what, the angry youth called it an attack on their freedom of expression and took to the streets. To control the situation, the Nepal government has imposed curfew in several districts, internet services have been stopped and the army has also been deployed. The army is patrolling in the capital Kathmandu, Pokhara, Viratnagar and several districts of Terai. Security of the Prime Minister's residence and Rashtrapati Bhavan has been increased. Vigilance has also been increased on the Nepal-India border. On the Indian side, the SSB i.e. Sashastra Seema Bal has increased patrolling so that the impact of violence does not reach across the border. There is also news that in view of the violence and tension in Nepal, the border has been sealed in seven districts of Bihar. Local businessmen have expressed concern that their business was completely dependent on social media and especially WhatsApp, and now their livelihood is being affected due to the ban.
Actually, the Nepal government had implemented this ban by issuing a notification on May 4. The government argues that these social media companies have not registered in Nepal and these platforms have become a means of spreading rumors, inciting religious hatred and creating political instability. According to the government, this step will help in maintaining peace and order. But the public did not accept this argument.
Social media is not just a means of entertainment or communication, but it is also a big source of employment and education for the youth of Nepal. Many people make their living through digital marketing, content creation and online business. The sudden ban on this has affected their economic condition. This is the reason why the youth section is looking most aggressive in the movement.
It is also important to understand the background of Nepal's politics. The monarchy ended in 2006 and Nepal became a federal democratic republic. Since then, there has been constant political instability here. Governments have been falling again and again. More than 13 prime ministers have changed in the last 18 years. Prachanda i.e. Pushpa Kamal Dahal has become the Prime Minister thrice, but every time his government remained surrounded by controversies and instability. In this background, the social media ban gave the message to the public that the government is crushing democratic rights. This is the reason why the protest became so fierce.
Nepal's economy is already in a weak condition. This country depends on tourism, small businesses and money coming from expatriate Nepali citizens. But at this time, unrest and curfew-like situations have given a severe blow to the tourism industry. Foreign tourists will avoid coming to popular tourist destinations like Kathmandu and Pokhara due to violence and security arrangements. This will have a direct impact on Nepal's economy and employment.
Nepal's image is also getting tarnished at the international level. There are open allegations of suppressing freedom of expression and democracy. Human rights organizations and the international community may seek answers from the Nepal government. It is also very important for neighboring countries like India and China that Nepal remains stable because it is a strategically important neighbor situated between the two countries.
Nepal's importance for India is even more special because there is an open border between the two countries. Millions of Nepalis work in India and there are cultural, historical and religious ties between the two countries. Violence and instability in Nepal is also a matter of concern for India. This is the reason why India has issued an alert on its border.
This entire incident has also raised the question whether social media companies have become so strong that they can shake the political stability of any country? Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and now Nepal - the picture is almost the same in all four places. Somewhere there is economic crisis, somewhere there is unemployment.
