By Pon.Chandran
What is the background of the recent unrest in Nepal?
The recent unrest in Nepal is primarily a result of widespread public anger over the government’s ban on numerous popular social media platforms, which has compounded existing frustrations with deep-seated issues like corruption and political instability.
Here is a breakdown of the background of the unrest:
1. The Immediate Trigger: A Social Media Ban
- The Ban: The Nepalese government recently blocked access to over two dozen social media platforms, including widely used sites like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter). (It was a trigger, but more an alibi because the the ban was lifted by evening and Home Minster resigned by 8pm of day1, Sep 8. And the PM resigned by 2.30pm on Day2, Sep9 but worst violence continued. Not only ruling party was attacked, but almost all parties, their leaders, families attacked, burnt. Top court, parliament, media, businesses, vehicles, leaders physically etc buildings attacked, smashed, burnt (a former Left PM’s wife, of Khanal, almost died). (In bangladesh , only ruling party elements were targeted and no indiscriminate violence against all and sundry..they were organized,had a leadership which was not the case).. Nepali businesses, malls, transport companies were mostly attacked…but not MNCs or Indian ones ..)
Government’s Rationale: Authorities stated that the ban (upheld by supreme court on Sep4) was imposed because the companies failed ( rather refused, and all were foreign, ie, western companies that had monopolized communications…) to comply with a new law that requires social media platforms to (formally, merely) register within the country (sovereignty challenged…fake news fake IDs alleged by Govt..media ‘blocked’ , not banned, from Sep 5, and one week time given to comply with Registration rules…but violence began ) . (The government has also cited concerns about “misinformation” and “national dignity.”
- Public Reaction: The ban has been met with massive outrage, particularly from young people (often referred to as “Gen Z” in media reports) and young professionals. Protesters have denounced the blackout as a direct assault on freedom of speech, which is a fundamental right (more a spin by the western entities, because vociferous and conspicuous demand was restoration of monarchy…no symbols of that were attacked…there was a demand to make Nepal a Hindu rashtra, which was openly demanded by BJP-Aditya Yogi, a CM of an almost adjoining state , and openly pressed by Modi-led India.. discussion on the Constitution went on for years, not knee-jerk or formal decision…the parliament, all most all parties refused to bend, and insisted secularism). They argue that the ban severely disrupts (this is more objective, but the ban was lifted on Day1 itself; PM Oli claimed he did not personally insist or back the ban by the executive, but questioned how can the foreign media defy rules of registration – a question of sovereignty- but he was chief target though he resigned by 2.30 pm, within 36 hours of the turmoil…he was called chor and Desha drohi…UML party office raided and communist party flag pulled down and that was highlighted in media…Oli was just back from SCO and bilateral meets/agreements with China..all parties, including Nepali Congress, the army and monarchy too are pro-China over the decades, vexed by India’s expansionism, Trade-transit treaty that was repeatedly used to blockade supplies, including petrol grains and medicines, from India and Nepal was strangulated for weeks, more than once…there were no such protests then by GenZ! There has been open pressure and lures by aid to force Nepal to become part of US Asia Pacific strategy as against China, which many parties, leaders and parliament’s majority resisted for years now..published comments on Nepal..there was a series of 5-6 articles in CC on Nepal, including on border dispute with Nepal, admitted and discussed by PM Vajpayee and relented even by Modi, but the discussion never takes place…Nepal-Oli govt then issued a map of its own..it was a a reaction after India published a changed map that had to do with JK-370 Bill being passed, which had a bearing on LAC and border dispute with China..these vital issues never mentioned by most of the Indian media, which is oriented and manipulated by the West ) not only communication but also small businesses, news dissemination, and the vital tourism industry, which relies heavily on social media for promotion and customer engagement.
2. Underlying Causes and Systemic Issues
The social media ban is seen by many as the final straw, bringing to a head long-simmering discontent over a range of systemic problems:
- Corruption: Protesters have chanted slogans against corruption, which is perceived as deeply entrenched and institutionalized in Nepal (that was there also in multi-party democracy under monarchy for over two decades, but no such protests ). The unrest has been fueled by viral social media campaigns, such as the #NepoKid and #NepoBaby trends, which have contrasted the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children with the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. (since when this class divide- almost universal, more so in India- become a big issue that could trigger such a violent protest? These words Nepokids- Nepo babis , almost new in Indian media, except for elite circles…Even I heard them the first time and did not initially understand what they meant …these words, a western idiom, are a clue to western forces role in protests..) These online campaigns have effectively merged with the protests, demonstrating a powerful public demand for accountability.
- Political Instability: Nepal has a long history of political instability, with frequent changes in government. Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, no government has completed a full term. This constant power struggle and the focus of political leaders on “making and unmaking” governments have hindered the country’s development and created a sense of disillusionment among the populace. (This is a media reasoning..only political parties are worried about this…ordinary people are least bothered, their lives are the same –business as usual- despite any Govt or no political admin/ govt…because the state continues..)
- Lack of Economic Opportunity: High youth unemployment has forced many young Nepalis to seek work abroad, with remittances making up a significant portion of the country’s GDP. This economic hardship and lack of prospects at home contribute to a frustrated and restless youth population that is quick to mobilize against perceived government failures.(This is a fact, a reality, used the by the media as a factor in protests…but emigrants usually are happy and busy in livelihood, and do not play active role in protests…families are happy with the remittances…a politically conscious and active Kerala, for decades, has ‘Money order economy’ wherein a big share (one third?) of state GDP is by remittances from NRIs, more from Gulf than even West..India too has a big share from NRIs, $135 billion in FY 2025, ie 3% 0f GDP( almost double of 69 in 2017) and it is more than FDI …and 10% of India’s gros current account inflows ..and they cover a significant proportion of inda’s trade deficit of$287..) .
- Censorship and Authoritarianism: Many see the social media ban and the new law that prompted it as an attempt by the government to silence dissent and curb freedom of expression (why no such serious protests in India or any state or even a city for this reason? Is backward Nepal more conscious? The more conscious citizens in Nepal are with political parties, most of them behind the Left parties…and they are not mostly in the protests …the less conscious, more so youth Gen Z who don’t mostly care to read news or views, are more active in protests ). Rights groups have condemned the legislation as a tool for censorship, further fueling the public’s perception of an increasingly authoritarian government.
What triggered the “ shoot at site” order and the killing of 20 protestors?
The “shoot at sight” order and the killing of at least 20 protesters in Nepal were triggered by the escalation of a youth-led demonstration against the government’s social media ban.
Here is a breakdown of what led to these events:
1. Escalation of Protests:
- Initial Peaceful March: The protests began with thousands of young people, often referred to as “Gen Z,” marching through the streets of Kathmandu to protest the government’s ban on numerous social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). ( An organizer of protests said a stone was thrown at a CCTV camera, and then hardened the state violence- an agent provocateur? Some organizers said the peaceful protest suddenly turned violent due to ‘outsiders’, unknown entities, some suggested foreign hand, quite plausible .. )
- Breach of Restricted Zone: The situation turned violent when the protesters, frustrated by a lack of response, breached security barricades and advanced towards the parliament building.
- Storming the Parliament: Protesters managed to break through police lines and some even entered the parliament premises, setting fire to the gates. This act was seen by authorities as a direct threat to the country’s governance.
2. Government Response:
- Police Firing: In response to the breach and the destruction, police forces initially used water cannons and tear gas to try and disperse the crowd. However, as the situation spiraled out of control and police were outnumbered, they resorted to using live ammunition.
- The “Shoot at Sight” Order: The government, in a move to contain the rapidly escalating violence and prevent further damage to government buildings, issued a “shoot at sight” order. This order implemented to enforce a curfew in key areas of Kathmandu, including around the parliament, the prime minister’s residence, and other government buildings.
3. The Casualties:
- Live Ammunition: The use of live ammunition by security forces resulted in a high number of casualties. Reports indicate that at least 20 people were killed, with many more injured, some with bullet wounds to the head and chest. (all killed on Day1..why ? any particular factor? ),
- Widespread Violence: The violence was not confined to Kathmandu. Protests and clashes also broke out in other cities, such as Itahari, where additional deaths were reported. (many injured after violence crossed all limits, and many died later, may be in hospitals..more than 50 deaths ..In Bangladesh, in comparison, weeks of protest, and 3500 plus shot dead, many more injured, Police chief apologized belatedly)
The public’s anger over the social media ban, combined with long-standing grievances against corruption and political instability, fueled the protests. The government’s decision to use lethal force and issue a “shoot at sight” order in response to the protests further inflamed (false, issued after severe and indiscriminate violence) the situation, leading to the tragic loss of life and a deeper political crisis. In the aftermath of the violence, Nepal’s Home Minister resigned (false, he resigned on Day1, along with withdrawal of the order to block, not ban, the media, by evening, Oli asked others not to resign), and an inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the events.
Pon.Chandran is a Human Rights Activist, Life Member of PUCL, Coimbatore.
25 September 2025
Source: countercurrents.org