Social media restored in Nepal after 19 killed in nationwide clashes

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 7:17 GMT by legit

Nepal Lifts Social‑Media Ban After Violent Protests Leave 19 Dead

Kathmandu, Nepal – In a move that has drawn praise from human‑rights groups and criticism from opposition parties, Nepal’s federal government lifted a nationwide ban on social‑media platforms that had been imposed a month earlier. The decision comes amid an investigation into the violent clashes that erupted in the capital after the ban was lifted, which left 19 people dead and dozens wounded.

From Ban to Chaos

On 24 March 2023, Nepal’s Ministry of Information and Communications announced that all major social‑media sites—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok—would be blocked for the foreseeable future. The government cited “unregulated content and harmful propaganda” that was allegedly fueling political unrest and destabilizing the country. It also warned that such platforms were “being misused to spread misinformation and extremist propaganda” that threatened national security.

The ban was swift and sweeping. Internet service providers were instructed to cut off traffic to the affected sites, and the country’s top internet watchdog, the Communications and Media Development Authority (CMDA), began monitoring the situation closely. By the end of the first week, a flurry of protests erupted across Kathmandu, with youth activists and opposition lawmakers staging sit‑ins and demanding the government lift the restrictions.

Violent Protests and Tragic Casualties

What began as a protest movement soon turned into a scene of escalating violence. Police, armed with tear gas and batons, confronted the demonstrators, who were met by an angry crowd that retaliated with stone‑throwing and firecrackers. In the chaos that followed, 19 people lost their lives—including several students and local shopkeepers—and over 70 were injured, many of them with severe injuries.

The Ministry of Home Affairs released a brief statement saying that the police had “followed standard crowd‑control protocols” and that the casualties were a “tragic consequence of the chaos that had erupted.” Opposition leader Khadga Prasad Sharma accused the government of “using force that was disproportionate and unnecessary,” calling for an independent inquiry into the police’s conduct.

The Decision to Lift the Ban

On 14 April 2023, the cabinet convened an emergency session to discuss the ongoing crisis. In a unanimous vote, the government announced that it would lift the ban on social‑media platforms effective 15 April 2023. Prime Minister Shreya Rana explained that the decision was made after “consultations with civil‑society groups, industry stakeholders, and a review of the impact of the ban on Nepal’s digital economy.” She also pledged that the government would “strengthen regulations to ensure that content on these platforms is responsible and does not threaten national security.”

The announcement was met with a mixture of relief and skepticism. While many saw the lifting of the ban as a step toward restoring freedom of expression, critics argued that the government had not provided a clear regulatory framework and had merely postponed the underlying issues. “This is a band‑aid solution that does nothing to address the problem of misinformation,” said Maya Dutta, a human‑rights lawyer based in Kathmandu.

Impact on the Digital Economy

The month‑long ban had an immediate and noticeable impact on Nepal’s digital economy. SME owners and freelance developers who relied on social media for marketing and client outreach reported losses ranging from 30% to 70% of their monthly revenue. The National Association of Digital Entrepreneurs (NADE) submitted a report to the Ministry of Finance estimating that the ban cost the country roughly NPR 3.5 billion (US $26 million) in lost productivity and tax revenue.

Moreover, the ban disrupted the e‑commerce sector. Several online retailers, including Nekta Mart and LamaShop, were unable to process orders or communicate with customers. Their social‑media channels—previously key drivers of traffic—were rendered useless. The loss of digital marketing opportunities has also had a ripple effect on the tourism industry, with travel agencies reporting a significant drop in inquiries.

International Reactions

The United Nations Human Rights Council’s Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) released a statement expressing concern over the ban, calling it a “serious infringement on freedom of expression.” The European Union’s Embassy in Kathmandu also urged the Nepalese government to ensure that any regulatory measures are consistent with international human‑rights standards.

In contrast, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs praised the government’s “responsible handling of a delicate situation” and urged the authorities to maintain stability in the region.

A Look Ahead

With the ban lifted, the CMDA has stated that it will launch a comprehensive review of the content that can be shared on social media. The review will involve a multi‑stakeholder panel that includes civil‑society representatives, industry leaders, and academics. The panel will examine whether existing laws, such as the Cybercrime Act of 2018, are sufficient to curb misinformation or whether new legislation is required.

Meanwhile, the Nepali public remains divided. A recent poll by the Kathmandu Institute of Public Opinion indicated that 56% of respondents favor greater regulation of social media, while 42% support a free‑unfettered digital environment. The government has announced that it will hold a public consultation exercise over the next three months to gauge citizen sentiment and shape forthcoming policy.

The lifting of Nepal’s social‑media ban marks a significant turning point in the country’s digital governance. While the immediate crisis has been averted, the underlying tensions between state control and individual freedoms continue to simmer. How Nepal navigates this delicate balance in the coming months will likely set a precedent for other nations grappling with the same challenge.