Nepal has imposed a nationwide curfew following violent protests led by the Gen Z generation in response to the government’s decision to ban social media platforms.
According to reports, the Nepalese army has assumed responsibility for the country’s security and issued a statement announcing the curfew. The statement claimed that, under the guise of protest, unruly groups had attacked people and property and even attempted sexual assaults.
Foreign media further reported that essential emergency services such as ambulances, hearses, fire engines, health workers, and security personnel will be allowed to operate during the curfew.
The unrest began after Prime Minister Sharma Oli’s government announced a ban on social media platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube. The move triggered widespread violence across the country, which ultimately forced Oli to resign and flee Nepal.
At least 22 people were reported dead during the Gen Z-led demonstrations against corruption and the temporary social media ban on Monday. Protests intensified when hundreds of demonstrators stormed the prime minister’s office. Although the government lifted the ban later that night, the violence continued to escalate.
Nepalese army troops were deployed across Kathmandu and other major cities early this morning to enforce restrictions and restore order. As the unrest persisted despite Oli’s resignation, the army took full control of national security at 10 p.m. last night, imposing restrictions across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and other regions.
In its official statement, the army expressed concern over certain groups “taking advantage of the difficult situation and causing serious damage to ordinary citizens and public property.”
