Massive protests led by Gen Z demonstrators erupted in Kathmandu on Monday against corruption allegations against the government and the recent ban on several major social media platforms
The protests turned violent when agitators broke through police barricades near the Parliament building. File Pic/AFP
At least 14 people were killed and dozens injured on Monday as violent protests by youths rocked the Nepalese capital and certain other areas over the government's decision to ban social media sites, prompting authorities to deploy the army in Kathmandu to control the situation, police officials said, reported the PTI.
Thousands of youths, including school students, under the banner of Gen Z, clashed with the riot police in front of the Parliament building in Kathmandu.
The protest prompted the authorities to impose a day-long curfew in parts of the capital city, police said.
Massive protests led by Generation Z demonstrators erupted in Kathmandu on Monday against corruption allegations against the government and the recent ban on several major social media platforms, The Kathmandu Post reported.
According to a report, the protests quickly turned violent, prompting authorities to extend a curfew across key parts of the capital. What began as a peaceful march escalated when protesters broke through barricades and entered restricted zones near Parliament.
Thousands of youths, including school students, marched through Maitighar and Baneshwor areas from early morning, accusing the government of rampant corruption and suppressing freedom of expression by banning 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and X, according to the PTI.
Police responded with water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets after demonstrators threw tree branches and water bottles and shouted anti-government slogans, with some protesters reportedly managing to enter the Parliament compound, intensifying the situation.
Local media reported that one person was killed in the violence; however, there was no official confirmation.
The protests turned violent when agitators broke through police barricades near the Parliament building. Security personnel resorted to baton charges, tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, eyewitnesses said.
The Kathmandu District Administration issued a prohibitory order from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm in areas surrounding the Parliament building to curb the unrest.
"No movement of people, demonstration, meeting, gathering or sit-in will be allowed in the restricted zone," Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal said in a notice.
According to reports, currently, platforms such as Viber, TikTok, Wetalk and Nimbuzz are registered in Nepal, while Telegram and Global Diary are in the process. Widely used platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp have yet to initiate registration.
Social media users calling themselves "Gen-Z" called for the nationwide protest today against the ban imposed by the government on social media.
(with PTI and ANI inputs)
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