Nepal in Turmoil: Soldiers Enforce Curfew Amid Protests Over Social Media Ban

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:49:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In Kathmandu, armed soldiers enforce a curfew as protests escalate against government actions, including a social media ban that has sparked widespread violence.

Tensions in Kathmandu, Nepal, have reached a boiling point as armed soldiers enforce a curfew after violent protests erupted over the government's recent social media ban. While some order has been restored, demonstrators continue to express their outrage, leading to further unrest and the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli amid escalating demands for accountability.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (RTW News) — Armed soldiers patrolled the streets of Kathmandu on Wednesday, enforcing a curfew as the city continues to grapple with violent protests over a recently imposed social media ban. The ban has angered citizens, leading to protests that swelled into chaos, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.

Soldiers, visibly armed, secured key areas of the capital, providing a semblance of control after days of rampant violence where demonstrators clashed with police, setting fire to government buildings and targeting politicians. An army statement confirmed the arrest of 21 people suspected of looting.

The unrest surged on Tuesday, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli amid intensified criticism of the political class, yet public frustration seems far from quelled. Thousands of protesters remained defiant late into the night, obstructing roads and overrunning official facilities. Military helicopters are now being deployed to ensure the safety of government officials.

Social Media Ban Sparks Youth Anger

The protests, dubbed the 'Gen Z movement,' initially erupted following the blocking of popular social media platforms, which the government claimed failed to comply with local regulations. The protests intensified, fueled by outrage over police violence, which resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals when officers opened fire on crowds. Following this, the social media ban was lifted, but the protests persisted, as frustrations over systemic corruption and economic hardships took center stage.

President Ram Chandra Poudel has called for a peaceful resolution, urging protesters to reconsider their actions. The president's acceptance of Oli's resignation and his appointment as caretaker prime minister has done little to assuage public anger, particularly among the youth, who are concerned about high unemployment rates and perceived inequality.

Targets of Protest: Government Buildings and Political Figures

Videos circulated online displayed the violent reality of the protests, showing demonstrators assaulting prominent political figures. Smoke still billowed from key government spaces. Protesters have left extensive damage in their wake, torching not only government installations but also private properties believed to be affiliated with corrupt political actors.

Calls for Regulation and Backlash on Freedom of Speech

As the protests unfolded, the government's attempts to regulate social media were met with fierce resistance. A proposed bill aimed at overseeing online platforms has been criticized as a means of censorship and suppression of dissent. Rights activists argue that this move poses a significant threat to freedom of expression, sparking fears of more stringent control over the media landscape.

The growing discontent amongst citizens highlights the precarious balance of power and the urgent need for governmental transparency in Nepal, as youth disillusionment fuels the ongoing turmoil.