Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has conveyed deep grief over the deaths of at least 19 people after a youth-led protest against corruption and restrictions on social media escalated into violence in Kathmandu and other cities.
The demonstration, organised by Gen-Z, reportedly turned deadly when unidentified groups allegedly joined in, sparking widespread vandalism, arson, and clashes with security forces.
PM Oli has announced the setting up of a high-level committee to investigate the events leading to the deadly unrest.
PM Oli stated, “I am extremely saddened that citizens lost their lives during today’s protest. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and relatives who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable incident.”
He insisted that the government had never intended to shut down social media platforms completely.
“The government had not, and does not, adopt any policy to shut down social media,” he clarified.
The Prime Minister added that the temporary suspension of certain platforms followed a Supreme Court order requiring social media companies to register in Nepal.
PM Oli also claimed that the protest had been infiltrated by ‘various vested interests’, which led to the violence.
“Even the organisers had declared the protest a success and had urged people to return home. But infiltrators carried out acts of vandalism and arson,” he asserted.
Cabinet Forms Inquiry Committee
In response to the incident, a late-night cabinet meeting decided to form an inquiry committee.
“A decision has been taken to form the committee to investigate the incident. The committee will get a mandate to submit a report within 15 days,” said a senior cabinet minister.
Despite expectations, the cabinet did not lift the social media ban, largely due to PM Oli’s opposition.
Interestingly, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X began functioning later in the night without any official announcement.
Earlier in the day, leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress had called on the government to lift the ban, pointing to mounting public unrest.
The government has promised compensation for the families of the deceased. It will provide free medical treatment for the injured. Full accountability will be ensured through the forthcoming investigation.
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