'Never Intended To Ban Social Media': Nepal PM After 19 Killed In Protests, Assures Probe

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 07:31 IST

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed grief over the deaths of 19 people in Gen-Z-led protests and clarified that the government never intended to ban social media.

Stones thrown by demonstrators cover the road in front of the parliament during a protest against corruption and the government's decision to block several social media platforms, in Kathmandu, Nepal (Photo: Reuters)

Hours after the government of Nepal lifted the ban on social media, in the wake of 19 lives lost amid massive protests on Monday, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed grief over the deaths during the Gen-Z-led protests, while clarifying that the government had no intention of banning social media platforms.

An emergency cabinet meeting was also held on Monday evening decided to end the ban, which had started from September 4, with the government alleging that social media companies were non-compliant with the registration requirements in Nepal.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place during the protest called by the Gen-Z generation today," Oli said in a statement.

“While we were confident that our children would peacefully voice their demands, the situation that arose due to the infiltration of the protest by various vested interests has resulted in the tragic loss of lives of citizens," he added.

He stressed that the government never planned to restrict online platforms.

“The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use. There was no need to keep demonstrating for this. And, the situation will not be allowed to continue," the statement read.

As the protests turned violent and claimed the lives of multiple people, Oli also promised accountability.

“I would like to assure you that an investigation committee will be formed to investigate and analyse today’s entire events and damage, its condition and causes, and submit a report within 15 days to recommend steps to be taken to prevent such accidents in the future."

Clarifying the government’s stance, Oli, in the statement, said, “The government has no intention to stop or ban social media."

“The directive given was only for regulating and systematising its use. The Supreme Court had also issued an order for one-time registration of social media companies operating in Nepal. Based on that order, the government issued a notice for registration," he said.

“However, due to a misunderstanding, the notice was withdrawn," he added.

“The government’s only aim is to make social media usage safe, systematic, and responsible, not to impose restrictions," the Nepal Prime Minister’s statement read.

On the loss of lives, the Prime Minister conveyed condolences and said, “Today’s protest has caused great grief as many citizens lost their lives."

“The government expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and solidarity with the injured. The government will ensure proper treatment for the injured and make necessary arrangements for the families of the deceased," he added.

MASSIVE PROTESTS IN NEPAL OVER SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

Violent protests by youths against a government ban on social media sites rocked Nepal on Monday, with police’s use of force leaving at least 19 people dead and over 300 others injured, and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigning over the situation.

The Nepali Army was deployed in the capital after the situation deteriorated. The army personnel took control of the roads surrounding the parliament complex in New Baneshwor.

Oli, expressing his grief over the deaths, alleged that there was “infiltration by some unwanted elements in the peaceful demonstration" that compelled the government to use force to protect public property from being damaged.

In another development, Nepal Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the government has withdrawn its earlier decision to ban social media sites following an emergency meeting of the Cabinet.

Gurung said the Ministry of Information has ordered the concerned agencies to start the process of resuming the social media sites as per the demands of the ‘Gen Z’, which spearheaded a massive protest in front of the Parliament in the heart of Kathmandu.

The minister also requested the protesting Gen Z group to withdraw their protest programme.

Earlier, thousands of youths, including school students, under the banner of Gen Z, staged a massive protest in front of the Parliament in the heart of Kathmandu and shouted anti-government slogans demanding immediate revocation of the ban.

The demonstration turned violent when some protesters entered the Parliament complex, prompting police to use water cannons, tear gas, and live rounds to disperse crowds, news agency PTI quoted eyewitnesses as saying.

The protests spread to Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari and Damak.

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

News world 'Never Intended To Ban Social Media': Nepal PM After 19 Killed In Protests, Assures Probe

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