10 dead, 87 injured as protests erupt in Nepal over corruption, social media ban

(Web Desk): Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Nepal against government corruption and social media restrictions. Demonstrators surrounded the parliament, and clashes between police and protesters left 10 people dead and over 87 injured.

According to Western media sources, Kathmandu police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal told reporters, “So far, the deaths of 10 protesters have been confirmed, while 87 are injured. The crowd is still on the streets.”

The protest began with demonstrators waving national flags and singing the national anthem. This was followed by slogans against government-imposed social media bans and widespread corruption. The protest turned violent when demonstrators entered the Red Zone near the parliament, crossing barbed wire barricades and breaching the compound.

Reports indicate that police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. According to Ranjana Nepal, the information officer at a nearby civil hospital, “The tear gas reached the hospital, making it difficult for doctors to work. I have never seen a situation like this here before.”

Authorities have imposed a curfew around key areas including Parliament, the President’s residence, and the Prime Minister’s office at Singha Durbar. Protests have also been reported in other districts.

The unrest began when the Nepali government blocked access to 26 major social media apps, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter), citing their failure to register with the authorities.

Reports say the restricted platforms include X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari said, “We are not just protesting the social media ban — we are raising our voices against institutional corruption.”

20-year-old student Akshma Tomruk added, “We are standing against the government’s authoritarian behavior. Change is necessary now — this must end with our generation.”

Videos have also gone viral on social media showing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, contrasting sharply with the hardships faced by ordinary Nepalis.