The KP Oli government in Nepal is reeling from the backlash of violent protests. The government has lifted restrictions on social media, a move decided upon in an emergency cabinet meeting. The Home Minister has resigned, but protesters remain steadfast, now demanding the resignation of Prime Minister KP Oli.
Citizens in Kathmandu are expressing extreme anger, with no signs of the demonstrations subsiding. The protests are now directed at corruption, moving beyond the initial social media restrictions. Disturbing reports indicate school children were shot in the head during the protests, with critics questioning the government’s response to the deaths.
Protesters are highlighting that children, aged 18-19, were shot in the head. Their primary demands are for the current government to fall and a new administration to be established. They want the Prime Minister to resign, and the current government to be replaced. Protests will continue until their demands are met. Security forces have been deployed throughout Kathmandu to manage the ongoing demonstrations.
Over 21 deaths have resulted from the protests.
The protests erupted following the Oli government’s ban on 26 social media platforms. The government cited regulations as the basis for this action, including restrictions on popular platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. The Nepali government had earlier ordered all social media platforms to register within seven days, in accordance with a Supreme Court directive.
The government is accused of undermining freedom of expression and employing the social media ban to hide corruption. The National Human Rights Commission of Nepal has urged the government and police to show restraint in handling the protests amid the deteriorating situation.