In a late-night decision, Nepal government has lifted the ban on social media apps after protest, led primarily by Gen Z escalated into violent clashes with police. Nepal’s Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced the decision and stated that the government has urged Gen Z protesters to call off their demonstrations. Subba stated that agencies have been directed to restore access to the platforms.
“The government has already decided to open social media by addressing the demand of Gen-Z,” said the minister, following an emergency cabinet meeting as reported by NDTV.
Earlier, there were reports that Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has refused to lift the ban on social media platforms amid ongoing protests, which have claimed 19 lives so far. During a cabinet meeting on Monday evening, PM Oli maintained that government’s decision remains firm and unaffected. However, the government has now changed its decision and revoked the ban on social media apps. After lifting the ban, PM Oli reportedly stated, ”We will ensure conducive use of social media.”
Nepal Home Minister Resigns
On Monday evening, as the death toll rose, Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak officially resigned, taking moral responsibility for the deaths of 19 people during Gen Z-led protests. He submitted his resignation to PM Oli during an emergency cabinet meeting held on Monday evening at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. The protests which erupted on September 8, have left 19 dead and over 250 injured, as confirmed by the Nepal’s Health Ministry.
The unrest which triggered on Monday due to government’s recent ban on social media caused massive disruption. The protestors had vandalised the parliament gate, fired dozens of rounds and burnt an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
The ban which came into effect on September 4 in Nepal, targeted social media platforms that had not registered with the government. While announcing its decision, the Nepalese government emphasised that social media users with fake IDs have been spreading hate speech and fake news, and committing fraud and other crimes via some platforms.
Also Read: Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Resigns Following Gen Z Protests
