Nepal in Turmoil: Soldiers Enforce Curfew Amid Widespread Protests

Tue Sep 23 2025 12:14:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As armed forces patrol Kathmandu, protests against social media bans escalate, leading to violence and political upheaval in Nepal.

Armed soldiers took to the streets of Kathmandu to enforce a curfew as violent protests erupted over a ban on social media platforms, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. The protests, sparked by anger over the social media blockade, reflect broader dissatisfaction among youth regarding political corruption and economic struggles.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Armed soldiers guarded the streets of Nepal’s capital Wednesday, ordering people to stay home in an attempt to restore order after tens of thousands of protesters stormed and set fire to government buildings and attacked politicians.

Soldiers with weapons guarding the main areas of Kathmandu appeared to re-establish control in a city overtaken by chaos in recent days.

The army announced their commitment to preserving law and order after police struggled to manage the situation, and confirmed the arrest of 21 suspected looters.

The protests escalated as demonstrators blocked roads and attacked government facilities, with army helicopters evacuating some ministers to safety.

Protests Ignited by Social Media Ban

The unrest began Monday over a government decision to block several social media sites, resulting in police opening fire on crowds and killing 19 people. Although the ban was lifted, protests continued, fueled by anger over the deaths and rampant corruption in the government.

President Ram Chandra Poudel urged protesters to seek a peaceful resolution and accepted Prime Minister Oli’s resignation, yet his power in a caretaker role remains uncertain.

Dubbed the protest of Gen Z, the demonstrations emerged as young people reacted against the government's censorship of platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube, while broader discontent arose regarding economic hardships and perceived inequities.

Targeting Political Figures

Videos circulating on social media depicted violent confrontations between protesters and political leaders, including attacks on Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba. Damage extended to significant government buildings that were caught in the protests.

Following the deadly police shooting, both the prime minister and opposition parties faced backlash, as calls for an investigation and compensation to victims' families mounted.

Government's Efforts to Regulate Social Media

In response to the unrest, the Nepalese government is pushing for a media regulation bill criticized as censorship. The bill mandates social media companies to register and establish a local presence. Critics argue it undermines fundamental rights and stifles free expression.