Nepal has reversed its decision to ban social media, following protests that resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people. These demonstrations were sparked by calls from the public for the government to lift the ban and address corruption issues.
According to a reporter from Agence France-Presse in Kathmandu, all major social media platforms were functioning normally on Tuesday morning.
Local media quoted Information Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, who stated that the government lifted the ban after an emergency cabinet meeting.
This decision came after a tragic incident on Monday, where at least 19 individuals were killed in Kathmandu when police opened fire to disperse a protest involving thousands of young people opposing the ban on social media and governmental corruption.
Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has ordered an investigation into the protests that erupted due to the social media restrictions, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
In a message, the Prime Minister emphasized that “the government does not support the suspension of social media usage and will ensure a suitable environment for its use.”
He also announced plans to establish an investigative committee to examine and analyze the protests.