Daijiworld media Network- Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Sep 9: Nepal continues to remain tense as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has refused to lift the ban on 26 social media and communication apps, a move that has already triggered violent protests leading to at least 19 deaths, according to sources.

At a Cabinet meeting held on Monday, Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel strongly urged the government to revoke the restrictions, pointing out the growing unrest. However, PM Oli is learnt to have rejected the proposal, asserting that the decision to block social media was "correct and non-negotiable."

Sources revealed that Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak even tendered his resignation during the meeting, taking moral responsibility for the mounting casualties. “Many lives have been lost. Taking moral responsibility, I have resigned. The party has already decided to reopen social media, and I would like to draw your attention to this matter,” he reportedly told Oli.

The situation has created sharp divisions within the ruling coalition, with Nepal Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba rushing to Baluwatar to hold talks with the Prime Minister.

Since Friday, major platforms including Facebook, YouTube and X have been inaccessible in the Himalayan nation after the government blocked 26 "unregistered" sites. The sudden move has sparked anger and confusion among citizens, with demonstrations breaking out across Kathmandu and other districts.

Police were seen using rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and batons to disperse protestors attempting to breach security barricades near the parliament. Several key zones, including the parliament complex, the President’s residence and Singha Durbar housing the PM’s office, have been brought under curfew.

The international community has also expressed concern. The United Nations has called for a transparent probe into the deaths. “We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation,” said UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani. Amnesty International too raised alarm, alleging that live ammunition was fired on demonstrators.

Notably, Nepal has previously imposed similar restrictions on digital platforms. Telegram was blocked in July citing online fraud and money laundering, while TikTok faced a nine-month suspension before being restored in August last year after agreeing to local compliance.

With protests intensifying and casualties mounting, political observers fear a deeper crisis if the deadlock between the government and its coalition partners is not resolved soon.