Unrest in Nepal due to restricting access to social media platforms
In a surprising turn of events, the Nepali government has taken action against several popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, and Twitter (now known as X). The government claims that these platforms were blocked to combat abuses such as fake accounts, fake news, and fraud, as they had not registered with state authorities.
The decision has sparked a wave of protests across the country, with demonstrations reported in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Birtapur in southern Nepal, and Pokhara in western Nepal. The organisers labelled these protests as "Generation Z demonstrations."
The clashes between police and protesters have been violent, resulting in over 100 injuries, including 28 police officers. Tragically, at least 19 lives have been lost in these incidents. Protesters have been seen setting fire to an ambulance and throwing objects at the police. In response to the protests, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting.
Reports suggest that some protesters even broke into the Nepalese parliament complex. Police in Kathmandu have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. A protester reported a police officer shooting randomly, injuring a friend.
The government's actions against social media platforms may affect the ability of protesters to communicate and organise. Many protesters carried flags and placards with slogans like "Ban Corruption, Not Social Media," "Unblock Social Media," and "Youth Against Corruption."
However, the search results do not contain information about who triggered the emergency cabinet meeting following the violent clashes between police and protesters against corruption and social media restrictions. The curfew, in effect until 22:00 local time, has been extended to the Singh-Durbar area in Kathmandu, which includes the prime minister's office and other government buildings.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor developments and ensure that the rights of all parties involved are respected. The Nepali government's actions highlight the importance of clear and open communication in times of unrest, and the need for social media platforms to adhere to local regulations.
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