Hashtags Win the Battle: Nepal Ends Social Media Ban After Deadly Clashes

Kathmandu: The Nepal government has lifted the ban imposed on social media apps. This decision was taken late on Monday night when the movement led by Gen-Z youth in the capital and other cities turned violent. 19 people have been confirmed dead in the clashes between police and protesters, making the situation tense.

The decision was changed in emergency meeting

Nepal's Communication, Information, and Broadcasting Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told the media after an emergency cabinet meeting that the government has decided to reopen social media sites. He said, "We have heard the voice of the youth and have taken this step to normalize the atmosphere. However, the government has no regrets over the decision taken earlier to ban social media."

Appealed to the youth for peace

Gurung also said that the government wants the Gen-Z group to end its protest now. According to him, "It was necessary to stop the way violence was being spread by resorting to this issue. The government decided to open social media before the situation worsened."

Committee to investigate violence

The cabinet has formed a special committee to investigate the violence and deaths during the demonstration. This committee has been directed to submit its report within 15 days. The government believes that by revealing the truth, the people responsible will be identified and such incidents can be prevented in the future.

Statement of Prime Minister Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also commented on this decision. He said that one of the banned social media platforms, 'X' (formerly Twitter), showed such statements and attitudes that hurt the national sovereignty of Nepal. According to Oli, the government had taken the decision of the ban keeping in mind the national interest. However, seeing the dire situation of the protests, the government had to retreat.

Political and social impact

The ban on social media in Nepal remained a matter of controversy from the very beginning. The youth said that it was an attack on their freedom of thought and expression. The Gen-Z class, which is most active through digital means, considered the ban a direct attack on their rights. This is the reason why the protest spread across the country in just a few days.

Big questions on Nepal's political system

The government may have tried to control the situation by lifting the ban on social media, but experts believe that this incident has raised big questions before both Nepal's political system and society. It will not be easy for any government to ignore the anger of the youth and their power.