Curfew in Nepal: Gen Z protestors storm Parliament amid social media ban
Curfew in Nepal: The people of Nepal have started protesting fiercely after social media was banned in Nepal. A large number of youth have entered the Parliament against the Nepal government. Reports indicate that these young individuals initially requested to demonstrate peacefully, but the gathering quickly turned violent. Authorities are using aerial gunfire and tear gas to manage the unruly crowd.
The demonstration began at 11 am from Akashe Bridge and proceeded towards the Damak Municipality office, where police resorted to baton charges to disperse the rally.
As per the reports, the protest started after the social media was banned in Nepal. The GenZ crowd is demonstrating against the prohibition of social media and corruption. A curfew has been enforced in Kathmandu from 12:30 pm to 10 pm.
The development comes after Nepal on Thursday banned social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, among others, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline.
The ministry's notice required social media companies to register within seven days starting August 28. However, by the deadline on Wednesday night, major platforms like Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn had not applied. Oli, speaking to party representatives at the conclusion of a convention by the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), stated that the party would consistently resist irregularities and arrogance and would never tolerate actions that compromise the nation.
Curfew in Nepal: Nepal is not against social media, says PM Oli
The Nepal Prime Minister said the party is not against social media, "but what cannot be accepted is those doing business in Nepal, making money, and yet not complying with the law," MyRepublica reported.
"The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?" he said.