India is closely monitoring violent Gen Z-led protests in Nepal after a social media ban. The unrest forced PM Oli to resign, raising fears of anti-India narratives and unrest spreading to India’s youth.
The Indian government is keeping a close watch on the growing protests in Nepal, where young people led by Gen Z have turned violent, an India Today report quotes intelligence sources. The protests began after the Nepali government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, banned major social media sites like Facebook, X and YouTube. The ban, claimed to be for tax and cybersecurity reasons, triggered massive unrest across Nepal and eventually forced Oli to resign and flee the country.
Social media ban sparks mass protests
Over the next two days, protests intensified. Demonstrators clashed with security forces, leading to violence and destruction. At least 19 people were killed and over 500 injured during these clashes. To control the situation, the Nepali Army took charge of security from Tuesday night and imposed strict curfews in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and other cities.
Nepali army imposes curfew and prohibitory orders
In a statement, the Nepali Army said that lawless individuals and groups were using the protest as cover for criminal activities such as arson, looting, violent assaults, and attempted rape. The Army warned that these dangerous acts continued despite efforts to restore order.
The Army imposed prohibitory orders until 5 pm on Wednesday, followed by a nationwide curfew starting at 6 am on Thursday, September 11. The curfew will remain in place until further notice, with decisions based on the developing situation. The Army also thanked citizens for their cooperation and expressed condolences for the lives lost and property damaged during the unrest.