Violence erupts in Nepal as at least 19 lives lost in demonstration against social media ban and corruption
In a shocking turn of events, Kathmandu witnessed intense violence on September 8 as demonstrators took to the streets, demanding the government to lift the social media ban and tackle corruption. The clashes between the protesters and police resulted in a tragic loss of life and injuries.
According to reports, at least 19 people lost their lives during the police dispersal in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. Seventeen of these deaths occurred in the capital city, as per Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police. Two more lives were claimed in the Sunsari district in eastern Nepal.
The violence was met with force from the police, who used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon, and batons. Iman Magar, a 20-year-old demonstrator, was one of the casualties. He was hit by a metallic bullet during the dispersal, losing part of his hand and requiring an operation. Sirens were heard throughout the city as the injured were taken to hospitals following the violence.
The demonstrators were determined, pushing through barbed wire and attempting to storm into a restricted area near parliament. The government in Nepal has been under pressure to address the concerns of its citizens, particularly in light of the social media ban that has been in place since Friday. The blocked social media sites in Nepal include not only major platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X, but also 26 unregistered platforms.
In response to the escalating situation, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned at a cabinet meeting in the evening following the violence in Kathmandu. The Nepalese foreign minister, who resigned on the evening of September 8 after the police violently suppressed protesters, was not named in the provided search results. However, it is known that Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli resigned shortly after Lekhak.
It is estimated that more than 400 people were injured in the dispersal, including over 100 police officers. The events of September 8 serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom of speech and anti-corruption measures in Nepal. The nation awaits the new leadership to address these critical issues and bring about a peaceful resolution.
