Nepal is at a turning point. With the social media ban lifted and the Home Minister’s resignation, streets may calm temporarily but deeper political and social issues remain
After his government lifted the social media ban following widespread protests and violence, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said the tragic loss of lives was due to the “infiltration of the protest by various vested interests” and that the government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media.
Expressing deep sadness over turn of events during the protest called by the Gen-Z generation on Monday, he said that the while the government was “confident that our children will 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.”
“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. 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,” he was quoted as saying.
What next
The government of Nepal lifted the ban on social media platforms after the curb sparked a deadly protest across the country, resulting in the death of 19 protestors and leaving over 300 others injured, according to reports
The decision to end the ban was taken during an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday evening.
The ban on 26 social media sites, which started from September 4, was imposed after the government alleged that social media companies were not complying with Nepal’s registration requirements.
With the social media ban lifted and resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhkak, the streets may calm temporarily but deeper political and social issues remain.
“The commission of inquiry announced by PM Oli will start work within 15 days. It will investigate who ordered the crackdown, whether excessive force was used, and how to prevent similar unrest. But credibility will be key, if it is perceived as a whitewash, protests can flare again,” observers say.
The fact is the “Gen Z protests” were not just about social media. They were about underlying anger over corruption, unemployment, and shrinking freedoms. According to reports, activists are already planning new forms of protest, including online campaigns now that platforms are restored. The government fears that funerals and memorials could become fresh rallying points for dissent and the compensation promises may not be enough to calm outrage.
