At least 14 people were killed and dozens injured during violent clashes between protesters and police in Nepal on September 8, 2025, as demonstrations against a government social media ban escalated into deadly confrontations outside the parliament building in Kathmandu.
Thousands of young Nepali demonstrators took to the streets to protest their government’s decision to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and WhatsApp. The ban was implemented after these platforms failed to comply with a government registration deadline.
The protests, dubbed a “Gen Z” demonstration due to the predominantly young participant base, began peacefully with crowds carrying Nepal’s national flag and chanting slogans opposing the social media restrictions. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly as demonstrators attempted to storm the parliament building.
Nepal’s Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba indicated that police deployed water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets during the unrest. Security forces also fired live ammunition at protesters who breached restricted areas around government buildings. The casualties included both demonstrators and law enforcement officers, with dozens more reported injured according to state-run television.
A police spokesman told AFP: “Tear gas and water cannons were used after the protesters breached into the restricted area.” Riot police were forced to retreat to safety after protesters surrounded the parliament building, with tear gas filling the streets as demonstrators defied authorities.
The violence prompted authorities to impose a curfew over parts of Kathmandu in an effort to stem the unrest. A small number of soldiers were deployed to the capital following the curfew announcement, according to a government spokesperson.
Government officials defended the social media ban as necessary to prevent the spread of fake news and internet fraud. The platforms were blocked for failing to officially register with Nepali authorities despite repeated notices. However, critics denounced the measure as censorship and an attack on freedom of expression.
The banned platforms are widely used throughout Nepal, further intensifying public anger over the government’s decision. Some users resorted to downloading virtual private networks to access the restricted websites. Other platforms such as TikTok and Viber, which have registered with Nepal’s authorities, continue to operate without disruption.
This is not the first time Nepal has restricted social media access. TikTok was previously blocked in 2023 after being accused of disrupting social harmony and distributing inappropriate content. The ban was lifted in 2024 after the company agreed to comply with local laws.
The September 8 protests represent some of the most severe civil unrest in Nepal in recent years, highlighting growing tensions between the government and younger generations who rely heavily on social media platforms for communication and information sharing. The death toll and scale of violence mark a significant escalation in what began as peaceful demonstrations against digital restrictions.
Internet and cellphone services were severely disrupted during the unrest, making it difficult to verify the full extent of casualties and damage. The government’s response, including the deployment of military personnel and authorization of lethal force, reflects the serious nature of the civil disorder that gripped the capital.
The protests underscore broader frustrations with government policies among Nepal’s younger population, who view social media access as essential for communication, business, and social interaction. The violent outcome has raised questions about the proportionality of the government’s response to what began as peaceful demonstrations against digital censorship.
