Nepal has lifted its social media ban after days of widespread protests that tragically claimed 19 lives and left over 100 people injured.
The decision, announced on Tuesday by Cabinet spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, comes as a response to the growing unrest, largely led by the country’s youth.
The demonstrations, described as a "Gen Z movement," erupted against the government’s perceived failure to curb corruption and create meaningful economic opportunities.
The ban on platforms like Facebook, imposed last week under the pretext of combating fake IDs and misinformation, only deepened frustrations and became the spark for mass mobilization across the Himalayan nation.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed sorrow over the violence, attributing it partly to “infiltration from selfish elements.”
He promised government support, including relief for the families of those killed and free medical treatment for the injured.
An inquiry committee will also be formed to investigate the causes of the tragedy and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
For many young Nepalis, the protests were not just about social media—they were a cry for dignity, accountability, and hope for a fairer future.