Kathmandu witnessed massive unrest on Monday, September 8, as Gen Z-led protesters took to the streets against Nepal’s nationwide ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. The demonstration escalated when participants vandalised the Parliament gate in New Baneshwar amid a heavy police deployment, resulting in at least nine deaths and over 40 injuries, according to Nepal Police.

The protest began early in the morning with thousands of young demonstrators marching through the city, waving national flags, chanting slogans such as “Unban social media” and “Shut down corruption, not social media,” and carrying placards demanding the restoration of digital freedoms.

Videos circulating online captured protesters attempting to storm the Parliament complex, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. Civil Hospital’s executive director Mohan Chandra Regmi confirmed that the deceased succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment.

In response, the Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew in multiple areas, including Maitighar, Baneshwar, and key government residential zones, from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act. Hami Nepal, the group organising the rally, had received prior approval for the protest.

Activist Ronesh Pradhan stated that a first-aid camp was set up at Maitighar, where injured demonstrators received immediate treatment.

The unrest follows the government’s decision to block major platforms that failed to register locally, despite seven days’ notice to comply with regulations requiring the appointment of compliance officers and grievance handlers in Nepal.

While apps like TikTok and Viber registered, platforms including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) remain inaccessible. Protesters described the ban as “a direct assault on speech, work, and connectivity,” reflecting deeper frustrations with systemic corruption in the country.