‘Govt never meant to ban social media,’ says PM Oli after 19 killed in Nepal protests

The protests, largely led by students and young demonstrators, turned violent in Kathmandu after crowds breached the Parliament complex.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday expressed sorrow over the deaths of 19 people during nationwide protests against the government’s social media ban and clarified that his administration never intended to restrict online platforms.

In a statement issued hours after the ban was lifted, Oli said the government only wanted to regulate social media companies in line with a Supreme Court order that required their registration in Nepal. “The government has no intention to stop or ban social media. The directive given was only for regulating and systematising its use,” he said.

The prime minister said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives during what he described as a demonstration called by the country’s Gen-Z youth. “We believed our children would raise their voices peacefully. But the infiltration of vested groups turned it violent, leading to tragic deaths,” Oli noted.

An emergency cabinet meeting late Monday ended the ban, which had been imposed on September 4 after authorities accused social media firms of non-compliance with registration requirements. Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that agencies had been directed to restore the platforms.

Oli also assured that an investigation panel would be set up to look into the clashes, which left over 300 people injured, and submit its report within 15 days. He pledged proper medical care for the injured and support for the families of the deceased.

The protests, largely led by students and young demonstrators, turned violent in Kathmandu after crowds breached the Parliament complex. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas and gunfire, leading to casualties. The unrest spread to several cities, including Pokhara, Butwal and Bharatpur, prompting the government to deploy the army in parts of the capital.

Oli stressed that the government’s goal was to make social media “safe, systematic and responsible,” not to suppress it. “There was no need to keep demonstrating for this,” he said, urging young protesters to end their agitation.