The death toll has risen to 19 in Nepal following violent clashes, as mass demonstrations erupted over the Government’s ban on social media platforms. The escalating crisis has prompted Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to tender his resignation, citing moral responsibility for the loss of lives.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Monday, demanding the immediate restoration of access to platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday, after the Government blocked 26 unregistered sites, claiming national security and regulatory concerns. The move, however, has triggered widespread anger, confusion and accusations of censorship.
The protests turned deadly when demonstrators surged into a restricted zone near the Parliament in Kathmandu. Some protesters reportedly climbed over compound walls, prompting Nepal Police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd. The confrontation quickly escalated into violent clashes.
“Our emergency ward is overwhelmed with people injured during the protests,” said Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at the Civil Hospital in Kathmandu.
In response to the unrest, authorities-imposed curfews in several high-security areas, including the Parliament, the President’s residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office.
The political fallout was swift. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, under intense public and political pressure, announced his resignation late Monday.
“I take moral responsibility for the tragic loss of lives during the protests. I have decided to step down,” Lekhak stated in his resignation announcement.
The resignation is seen as a significant development in the crisis, signalling growing cracks within the administration. Analysts warn that the incident may fuel demands for accountability and reform, particularly around issues of free speech, digital rights and transparency.
The Government ’s move to restrict access to popular social media platforms without prior notice or public consultation has sparked a national debate over the limits of State power in the digital age.
Civil rights groups, media watchdogs, and Opposition leaders have condemned the ban, calling it a “draconian measure” that violates fundamental rights to information and expression.
International human rights organizations have also begun raising concerns, urging the Nepalese Government to restore access to digital platforms and ensure citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free speech.
As tensions remain high, the situation on the ground continues to evolve. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the social media ban is fully lifted, while the Government has yet to make a public statement on whether it will reverse the decision.
The crisis has now become a litmus test for Nepal’s democratic institutions and their ability to respond to public dissent without resorting to authoritarian tactics.