Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has published a formal statement about the mass protests that occurred throughout the country. The GenZ protests resulted in the deaths of 19 people and many injuries. The Nepal government later in the day on 8 September planned to revoke the social media ban.
Expressing his grief, Prime Minister Oli said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred during the demonstration organised by members of the Gen-Z generation today.”
Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli releases a statement on the large-scale protests in the country
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2025
Says, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place during the protest called by the Gen-Z generation today. While we were confident that our children will… pic.twitter.com/wEXYW6hVAY
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place during the protest called by the Gen-Z generation today,” Oli said in a statement.
“While we were confident that our children would peacefully voice their demands, the situation that arose due to the infiltration of the protest by various vested interests has resulted in the tragic loss of lives of citizens,” he added.
He stressed that the government never planned to restrict online platforms.
“The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use. There was no need to keep demonstrating for this. And, the situation will not be allowed to continue,” the statement read.
As the protests turned violent and claimed the lives of multiple people, Oli also promised accountability.
“I would like to assure you that an investigation committee will be formed to investigate and analyse today’s entire events and damage, its condition and causes, and submit a report within 15 days to recommend steps to be taken to prevent such accidents in the future.”
Clarifying the government’s stance, Oli, in the statement, said, “The government has no intention to stop or ban social media.”
“The directive given was only for regulating and systematising its use. The Supreme Court had also issued an order for one-time registration of social media companies operating in Nepal. Based on that order, the government issued a notice for registration,” he said.
“However, due to a misunderstanding, the notice was withdrawn,” he added.
“The government’s only aim is to make social media usage safe, systematic, and responsible, not to impose restrictions,” the Nepal Prime Minister’s statement read.
On the loss of lives, the Prime Minister conveyed condolences and said, “Today’s protest has caused great grief as many citizens lost their lives.”
“The government expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and solidarity with the injured. The government will ensure proper treatment for the injured and make necessary arrangements for the families of the deceased,” he added.
