Violent street demonstrations in Nepal result in tragic loss of 19 lives as citizens voice their discontent against the administration.

Protests Erupt in Nepal Over Social Media Blockade

In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal has been gripped by widespread protests against the government's decision to block numerous social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. At least 19 lives have been lost, with over 17 deaths reported in the capital Kathmandu alone, and more than 100 people, including police officers, injured.

The unrest began after the Supreme Court ordered, in August, that affected online services should be put under state supervision to combat the spread of misinformation online. However, the protesters criticize the government for wanting to expand its control over the platforms rather than just regulating them.

Thousands of protesters, primarily younger people aged around 18 to 30, attempted to storm the parliament building in Kathmandu. Police tried to prevent them, using water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition, according to reports from local media outlets like The Kathmandu Post.

The protests, which have also sparked unrest in other parts of the country, were primarily against the government's decision to block social media platforms. The government, in turn, accused the platforms of not registering properly.

Amid the political unrest, Ramesh Lekhak, Nepal's Interior Minister, resigned during a cabinet meeting on Monday evening, September 9, 2024. While the resignation was not directly due to the events in Kathmandu, it was part of an attempt to ease the growing tension.

The situation took a turn for the worse when two more lives were lost in clashes in the eastern city of Itahari. With injuries mounting and critical cases among the protesters, the future of these protests remains uncertain.

The government's decision to block 26 online networks has stirred up a storm of dissent, with the people of Nepal expressing their disapproval in the most vocal manner possible. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches on, hoping for a peaceful resolution.

Violent street demonstrations in Nepal result in tragic loss of 19 lives as citizens voice their discontent against the administration.