Mass Demonstrations Erupt in Nepal Over Social Media Restrictions and Perceived Corruption
In the heart of Kathmandu, thousands of young Nepalis marched on Monday, demanding the government lift its ban on social media platforms and address institutionalized corruption in the country.
The social media ban, imposed on Friday, affected popular platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and several unregistered platforms. This decision, however, came after a Supreme Court order in September last year. It's worth noting that Nepal has restricted access to online platforms in the past, with TikTok being a recent example. The government lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year, after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.
Despite TikTok still operating, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on the platform. This, along with the social media ban, seems to have been the trigger for the protests.
Yujan Rajbhandari, a student participant, stated that they were triggered by the social media ban but also protesting against institutionalized corruption in Nepal. Ikshama Tumrok, another student participant, echoed similar sentiments, expressing a desire for change and protesting against the authoritarian attitude of the government.
The protest started with the national anthem and included chants against the social media prohibitions and corruption. The demonstrators, including Bhumika Bharati, expressed concerns about the government's potential fear of movements against corruption similar to those abroad.
In a statement on Sunday, the government stated that it respects freedom of thought and expression and is committed to "creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use". However, the search results do not provide information regarding the timing of government decisions on the registration of affected companies in Nepal.
The cabinet decided last month to give affected companies seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact, and designate a resident grievance handling officer and compliance officer. Despite this, the protesting demonstrators continue to demand a lift on the social media ban and a commitment to addressing corruption in Nepal.
The protests serve as a testament to the growing voice of Nepal's youth, with members of Generation Z being among the demonstrators. The demonstrators' determination and unity highlight the need for the government to address their concerns and work towards a more transparent and accountable Nepal.
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