Nepal’s Government Faces Backlash After Deadly Protests Over Social Media Ban
The government of Nepal has come under intense scrutiny following violent protests against a recent ban on popular social media platforms. The unrest, which resulted in the deaths of at least 19 protesters on March 4, 2024, forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign and prompted the administration to reverse the ban. This incident has highlighted deep-rooted frustrations concerning corruption and nepotism within the country’s political landscape.
Youth-led protests erupted in response to the ban, which was implemented as part of a broader attempt by the government to regulate social media. The controversial legislation requires platforms to register and submit to local oversight, a move widely seen as an infringement on freedom of expression. Many critics, including rights groups, have labeled the bill a tool for censorship aimed at silencing dissent.
Demonstrations have been characterized as a movement of Generation Z, primarily involving individuals born between 1995 and 2010. Prior to the ban, social media campaigns, especially on platforms like TikTok, showcased the opulent lifestyles of politicians’ children, igniting public outrage over stark economic disparities. With a per capita income of approximately $1,400 annually, many citizens expressed their discontent over the lavish displays of wealth amidst widespread poverty.
The protests also reflect broader concerns about government negligence in addressing significant corruption cases and providing economic opportunities for the youth. The World Bank reported a youth unemployment rate of 20% in Nepal last year, further fueling public anger. According to Prateek Pradhan, editor of the independent news website Baahrakhari, this latest wave of protests is indicative of a larger, long-standing frustration with the way the country is governed.
Escalating Violence and Unrest
The recent unrest marks the most severe violence in Nepal in decades, surpassing the events of 2006 that led to the end of an authoritarian monarchy. At least 18 people have been killed in the current protests, exacerbating public discontent with the republic established after the monarchy’s abolition in 2008. The situation has been further complicated by recent clashes between police and supporters of Nepal’s former king, who have demanded the restoration of the monarchy.
Although Prime Minister Oli’s resignation on March 5, 2024, marked a significant political shift, it remains uncertain whether this will quell the protests. Many demonstrators have called for the dissolution of the current government, which could plunge Nepal into further instability. Since 2008, the country has seen 13 different governments, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.
Ashish Pradhan, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group, emphasized the need for a swift transitional arrangement that includes credible figures to restore faith among the youth and the public.
Voices from the Ground
The violent response from security forces has intensified tensions throughout the nation. Protests have spread beyond the capital, reaching suburbs of Kathmandu. Nima Tendi Sherpa, a 19-year-old protester, recounts how the demonstrations initially began peacefully but escalated when police began firing on crowds attempting to breach barricades. “I don’t harbor any harsh feelings towards the policemen; they were just following orders. But I am angry at those who issued those orders,” Sherpa stated.
Prateek Pradhan noted that the current protests are part of a larger movement, reminiscent of youth-led uprisings in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka that successfully ousted their governments. “People are done with the status quo; they are demanding change,” he said.
As Nepal grapples with these unprecedented challenges, the future remains uncertain. The convergence of demands for accountability, economic opportunity, and political reform suggests that the public’s desire for change will continue to resonate in the coming weeks and months.
