19 dead as Nepal erupts in violence over Gen-Z protest against corruption, social media ban

The unrest escalated after demonstrators defied curfew orders and stormed restricted zones near Parliament, forcing the government to deploy the army in the capital.

According to media reports, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned during an emergency cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday evening.

Officials indicated the government may roll back its sweeping ban on social media platforms in a bid to calm tensions.

Security forces used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, who hurled branches and bottles while chanting anti-government slogans, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Some demonstrators even entered the Parliament compound, further inflaming tensions.

Journalist Shyam Shrestha of Kantipur Television was among those injured after being struck by a rubber bullet while covering the protests in Baneshwar. He is being treated at Civil Hospital.

Authorities extended the day-long curfew across high-security zones, including the President’s residence, the Vice-President’s residence, Singha Durbar, and the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.

Violence was also reported outside the capital. In Damak, the hometown of PM Oli, at least one person was injured in clashes, while in Pokhara, demonstrators damaged the Chief Minister’s office, prompting local authorities to impose a curfew.

Why are Nepalis protesting?

The protests were triggered by the government’s decision to block 26 unregistered social media platforms — including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X — leaving millions of users cut off since Friday. TikTok, however, remains accessible.

But anger has grown far beyond the digital blackout. Young protesters accuse the Oli government of institutionalized corruption and authoritarianism, saying the ban was the final spark.

“We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason,” a student, Yujan Rajbhandari, told AFP. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”

“We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” added Ikshama Tumrok, 20.

Videos circulating on TikTok — still functional in Nepal — have amplified frustrations, contrasting ordinary citizens’ struggles with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children.

Observers warn the protests are the biggest youth-led challenge to Nepal’s leadership in years, with public anger now spilling well beyond Kathmandu.