19 killed, over 350 injured as Gen Z protesters storm Nepal Parliament over social media ban

Kathmandu witnessed one of its most violent protests in recent years as thousands of young demonstrators took to the streets on Monday against the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube. The protesters, mostly from Gen Z, clashed with security forces after storming barricades near the Parliament building in New Baneshwar.

The situation spiralled out of control when sections of the crowd set fire to the Parliament gates and vandalised parts of the building. Police resorted to tear gas, water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, but the violence escalated, leading the government to issue shoot-at-sight orders. A curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu until 10 pm local time to restore order.

According to hospital authorities, at least 19 people have died so far, while more than 350 have been injured, including two journalists. The Nepal Army has been deployed across sensitive areas, including outside the residences of the Prime Minister and the President.

Officials said the crackdown was necessary to maintain law and order, but the unrest has sparked fresh concerns over freedom of speech and the growing anger of Nepal’s youth against restrictive policies.