Nepal Protests: Gen Z Protest Against Social Media Ban, 19 Killed, Main Reasons Behind Youths Anger

Nepal Protests: The Nepal government banned about 26 major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, LinkedIn etc. for not registering. The government says that these platforms were not able to meet the demands of registration and local tax operators etc. under the new strict rules.

The government took this step citing threats like misinformation, cyber crime, fraud and spreading misinformation online.

However, the general public, especially the youth, are angry considering this move as a violation of freedom of expression, as about 90% of Nepali internet users were active online and social media was a part of their lives.

Nepal Protests: What is Gen Z Protest

Most of the protesters were young people, especially school and college students. so people call this movement the Gen Z Protest

A large number of youth gathered near Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, many of whom were in uniform. They were not influenced by politics at all. They were united solely on the issues of corruption, unemployment and freedom of expression.

The youth were angry that the government was not showing transparency in matters of money, power and jobs. Big scams like the Airbus deal, which resulted in loss of crores, raised questions in the minds of the public as to where is the accountability?

Nepal Protests: Protest and Violence of Youth

The protests began at 9 am (03:15 GMT) on 8 September. The movement also spread rapidly to places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Itarahi, Biratnagar, Bharatpur.

The protesters reached the Parliament building, many tried to break the barricades, some even set ambulances on fire and pelted stones and other objects.

The police used tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannon and live ammunition in some places. The army had to be deployed.

Nepal Protest: Real Story Behind Social Banned

The real story behind banning social media in Nepal is not just fake news or cyber crime or non-registration, there is deep politics and corruption hidden behind it.

The government knows that the anger of the youth is increasing due to unemployment, inflation and the looting of leaders. Lakhs of educated youth in the country are looking for jobs, but the children of leaders go abroad to study and settle down.

In such a situation, when the public asks questions on social media, the government fears that this anger may turn into a movement. Therefore, the real purpose of the ban is to suppress the voice, so that there is no open debate on corruption, lack of jobs and the double life of leaders.

More than 19 people were killed in Nepal protests

According to major media reports including Reuters and Al Jazeera, at least 19 people were killed, many of them from gunshot wounds and other injuries.

Some reports put the number at 16, according to local police Mandia Samvad and hospital records.

According to AP News, police in Kathmandu opened fire, killing at least 17 people and injuring around 145.

Sky News put the number at 17 dead and around 150 injured; yet the most reliable figures are about 19 dead and over 100 injured.

Why Nepal banned Social Media

The government is justifying the ban by citing “national sovereignty” and the need to “fight misinformation”. They say these companies were violating rules.

On the other hand, the opposition and human rights groups are calling it an attack on freedom of expression. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Nepali Journalists Association called it a violation of press freedom.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) appealed for a ban on the use of excessive force, while the Home Minister resigned, after which the movement gained more momentum.

Voice, Appeal and Future of the youth

Despite the ban on social media, people were connecting through means like VPN, Discord and planning the movement. In a way, social media also fueled the movement.

Not only students, but people of other age groups like millennials and boomers also joined these protests and they have become a democratic consciousness beyond Gen Z.

This movement is not limited to the ban on social media, but has turned into a demand for corruption, accountability and democratic rights.

Will this movement go further?

These protests have created the largest youth-led consciousness in Nepal. In its form, it has become a struggle for mandate, digital rights and government accountability.

The government’s response, the nature of the protests and the reaction of the global stage will decisively shape the outcome in the days to come.

One thing is clear

The fight for full democracy and freedom of expression will continue, and the voice of Gen Z will not be easily suppressed.

My Opinion – Mr Villain

If the government is unable to provide employment to the youth, then it has no right to shut down social media. Today, social media is a means for millions of people to earn, learn and express their views.

And we know your real intention. We will keep social media running so that we can fight against corruption and raise our voice, but you do not want this, so you want to shut it down by making excuses like there is no social media registration.

In a democracy, instead of suppressing the voice of the people, the government should focus on providing employment and opportunities.

What you think about social media, Tell in comment sections

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