At least 19 individuals died in a single day when security forces opened fire on protestors across various districts of Nepal as the demonstrators demanded the restoration of access to social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and WhatsApp.
The ban came into effect on September 4 and targeted platforms that had not registered with the Nepalese government. The authorities said that social media users with fake IDs were spreading hate speech, fake news, and committing fraud and other crimes via some platforms.
This marked the highest death toll since the 2006 movement to overthrow King Gyanendra. As per ANI, a total of 18 people had died in weeks of protests that ultimately ended the centuries-long monarchy in Nepal, paving the way for the Himalayan nation to become a democratic republic.
Visuals From Nepal Gen Z Protests
People in Kathmandu stage a massive protest against the KP Sharma Oli government.
#WATCH | Nepal: People in Kathmandu stage a massive protest against the government over alleged corruption and the recent ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others.
At least 18 people have died and more than 250 people have been injured… pic.twitter.com/zz0mLm5VQ6
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
#WATCH | Nepal | People in Kathmandu stage a massive protest against the government over alleged corruption and the recent ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others. pic.twitter.com/vCyY9XKtww
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
Burning vehicles were also seen at the massive protests in Nepal.
#WATCH | Nepal | People in Kathmandu stage a massive protest against the government over alleged corruption and the recent ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others.
At least 18 people have died and more than 250 people have been injured… pic.twitter.com/9pO8yj2e1h
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
Protestors vandalised the Parliament gate as the protest turned violent in Kathmandu.
#WATCH | Nepal | Protestors vandalise the Parliament gate as the protest turned violent in Kathmandu, as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters pic.twitter.com/dkh9Mg7BGc
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
The number of injured at this time remains uncertain due to the overwhelming volume of cases, which include protesters, security personnel, and journalists. Hospitals such as Trauma Center and Civil Hospital are reportedly struggling to accommodate patients and have begun referring cases to other facilities.
ANI reported that the authorities added that the identities of the deceased and many injured are yet to be confirmed.
The Ministry of Health had earlier instructed hospitals to provide free treatment to all injured protesters. Curfew orders were imposed in several parts of the country to contain unrest.
In Kathmandu Valley, curfew covered key areas, including New Baneshwor, after protesters stormed the Federal Parliament premises. Pokhara (Kaski) enforced curfew in Shahid Chowk and adjoining areas from 2 pm following vandalism at the Chief Minister’s Office. Itahari (Sunsari) reported an indefinite curfew from 3:30 pm after violent clashes, while Butwal-Bhairahawa (Rupandehi) had curfew from 4 pm to 10 pm on Monday.
(with ANI inputs)