Kathmandu on Monday saw massive protests by youngsters who demanded that the government lift its ban on social media platforms and end the culture of corruption pervading the country. Nine people were killed amid the protests. Forty-two others were reported injured.
One of the protesters, believed to have been shot during violent clashes in New Baneshwor, succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital.In a statement, Nepal police said, “Nine people have lost their lives as Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters.”
The identities of several injured individuals remain unknown at this time.
In Damak, protesters marched from Damak Chowk towards the municipal office, where they burnt an effigy of Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and attempted to breach the office gates.Police responded with water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets, critically injuring one demonstrator, local media reported.
Several motorcycles were also set ablaze, escalating tensions in the area.
Demonstrators were also seen throwing teargas back at the police, who had retreated to a corner of the street, making a huddle, and using riot shields to protect from incoming projectiles.
Last week, Nepal banned social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, among others, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline.
