Emergency Cabinet Meeting Shakes Kathmandu, Nepal Finally Lifts Social Media Ban After Gen-Z Uprising
Kathmandu (The Uttam Hindu): In a dramatic late-night U-turn, the Nepal government has lifted its controversial ban on social media platforms after violent Gen-Z-led protests spiraled into deadly clashes, leaving 19 people dead. The decision was announced following an emergency cabinet meeting as mounting public anger threatened to spin out of control.
Communication, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the government had decided to restore access to banned platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). However, he insisted that the administration had “no regrets” about imposing the ban in the first place, claiming it was done in the “national interest.”
“Since protests were being staged using this issue as an excuse, the government decided to reopen social media sites,” said Gurung, while also appealing to Gen-Z demonstrators to call off their agitation. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, during the cabinet briefing, accused platform X of acting in a manner that “insulted Nepal’s national sovereignty.”
Meanwhile, a high-level investigation committee has been set up to probe the violence and submit a report within 15 days. The move comes after days of unrest where furious youth clashed with police, accusing the government of silencing voices. Critics say the rollback is less about “freedom of speech” and more about the government’s failure to contain the escalating street violence.