‘Police Shot My Friend In Head’: Nepal Protestor Demonstrating Against Social Media Ban | World News
According to local media sources, as a protest against the government’s corruption and a few banned ban on a few popular social media platforms, at least 14 people were killed and more than 100 other people were injured in violent clashes in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Thousands of young protesters exploded after challenging the curfew and progressing to limited areas near the parliament. In contrast, security forces placed water balls, tear gas and rubber bullets. Kathmandu Post, the Nepal army was also called with the increase in tensions, some demonstrators violated the parliamentary compound and reportedly intensified the crisis.
#WRISTWATCH | Nepal | As protesters organize a great protest against ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, the protest that causes conflicts between police and protesters returns to violence in Kathmandu. pic.twitter.com/dkh9mg7bgc– Ani (@ani) 8 September 2025
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Expanding of curfew and security measures
Following violence, Kathmandu Regional Administration Office expanded the curfew, which was initially limited to the Baneshwar region. The new restrictions include the President’s residence in Shital Niwas, the vice president’s residence in Maharajgunj, all sides of Singha Durbar, and significant high security places, including the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
Chief Regional Officer Chhabalal Rijal announced that the curfew will remain in fact every day from 12:30 to 22:00 local time. Public meetings, demonstrations and unauthorized movements in these regions are strictly prohibited.
#WRISTWATCH | Nepal | Apart from Kaymandu Parliament, the protest as a major protest against Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites returned to violence in Kathmandu and led to conflicts between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/xsgv1u6ufy– Ani (@ani) 8 September 2025
Among the wounded were Kantikur TV journalist Shyam Shrestha, who hit a rubber bullet while covering the protest in Bashwar. He is still receiving treatment in a civilian hospital. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s hometown of the palate was reported to have been injured in another individual, where the demonstrations are severe.
Protests spread throughout the country
The protests are now spread beyond the capital. In Pokhara, the demonstrators reportedly destroyed the prime minister’s office and asked for the curfew of local authorities. Prime Minister Oli called an emergency cabin meeting to address the increasing situation since then.
Why do people protest?
The restlessness follows the government’s decision to prevent access to access to the unregistered digital platform, including widely used applications such as Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly twitter), Instagram and Snapchat. Sudden restrictions that started on Friday have been confused and disappointed by millions of users.
The movement triggered a significant anger among young people who accused the government of suppressing free speech.
A protester to Ani, “We were planning to make a peaceful protest, but as we progressed further, we could see violence by the police. Police firing against the essence of peaceful protests. They cannot impose the power of power.
#WRISTWATCH | Nepal | Apart from Kaymandu Parliament, the protest as a major protest against Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites returned to violence in Kathmandu and led to conflicts between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/jifsqlhfqc– Ani (@ani) 8 September 2025
Another protestist, 20 -year -old student Ikshama Tumrok expressed anger what the regime describes as authoritarian tendencies.
Another protestist, “Some time ago, the police did not hit me, but standing behind a friend who shot a friend. Hands out. The ignition is still continuing and we can hear the gun fire from the parliament. My friend standing on the road was hit on the head.
Anger was even fueled by Viral Tiktok videos, which compares the daily struggles of ordinary citizens to the generous lifestyles of politicians. Unlike other banned platforms, Tiktok continues to be accessible for now.
“There have been movements against corruption abroad, and they are afraid that they may happen here.”
Government position
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (United Marxist-Leninist), Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced that the party will always stand against abnormalities and arrogance and will never accept any action that weakens the country ”.
“The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of work of a handful of individuals.
The Nepal cabinet had instructed to register for the platforms that were previously affected in the country, to establish a local contact and to determine the complaints and compliance officers in accordance with the Supreme Court decision since September last year.
In a statement published on Sunday, the government argued that it supports freedom of expression and was determined to create an environment that enables the approval of such rights.
Nepal has previously limited online platforms. In July, Telegram was blocked because of concerns about online fraud and concerns about money laundering. Last year, after the company agreed to comply with local regulations, a nine -month ban on Tiktok was removed.
