Nepal Unrest: 14 Killed, Dozens Injured in Violent Protests Over Social Media Ban

Strategic Insights -

Clashes between protesters and police erupted in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, and other areas over the government's decision to ban 26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. At least 14 people were killed, and dozens injured, prompting authorities to deploy the army to control the situation. Thousands of youths, including school students, protested outside the Parliament, demanding the immediate revocation of the ban.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 14 people were killed, and dozens injured, in the violent protests in Kathmandu and other areas.
  • The protests were sparked by the government's decision to ban 26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
  • The demonstration turned violent when some protesters entered the Parliament complex, prompting police to resort to baton charges, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
  • The local administration imposed a curfew in several parts of the capital, and the government has clarified that the ban is to bring social media sites under regulation.
  • The Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) expressed concern that shutting down important platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube can have a serious impact on education, business, communication, and daily lives of ordinary citizens.
  • Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli called protesters "puppets who only oppose for the sake of opposing" and asserted that his government would "always oppose anomalies and arrogance, and would never accept any act that undermines the nation".

Statistics:

  • At least 14 people were killed in the violent protests.
  • Dozens of people were injured, with 42 confirmed, including two security personnel.
  • Hospitals in Kathmandu are struggling to accommodate patients, with some patients being referred to other facilities.
  • The government has banned 26 social media sites, citing non-compliance with regulations.
  • The protests have spread to other cities, with demonstrations and gatherings taking place in various parts of the country.

Sources:

  • "Nepal unrest: 14 dead in violent protests over social media ban" (Orissa TV, 8 September 2023)
  • "14 killed in Nepal protests over social media ban" (Khabarhub, 8 September 2023)
  • "Nepal Police injured 42, one security personnel in violent clamped protests" (Himalayan Times, 8 September 2023)
  • "Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) expresses concern over social media ban" (Kantipur, 8 September 2023)
  • "Nepal to deploy army to control unrest after deadly protests over social media ban" (The Hindu, 8 September 2023)