After protests, Nepal Govt lifts social media ban: PM Oli blames "ambiguity between thinking"

The Nepal Government lifted the social media ban after widespread protests by the Gen Z that killed 18 and injured 250 people on Monday. In a statement, Prime Minister KP Oli responded to the protests, blaming "ambiguity in the thinking" among the younger generation. He called it an "unpleasant situation" that led to several deaths, with the destruction of state property. 

He stated, "The lack of sufficient information regarding our efforts to register and register social media systematically as per the state law and court order, and some ambiguity between the thinking of our Gen-Z generation, has created the current situation." 

The country has now lifted the ban on Facebook, X, WhatsApp, and other social media sites, with the Prime Minister claiming that the Government wasn't in favor of stopping the use of social media, and there was no need to "keep demonstrating for it." 

Oli further said in his statement, "The Government was not in favor of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use. There was no need to keep demonstrating for this. And, the situation that has to continue will not be allowed to continue." 

Even after the government lifted the ban, protestors took to the streets again. 

#WATCH | Nepal: Protesters take to the streets once again in Kathmandu, after the massive protest yesterday against the government over alleged corruption and the recent ban on social media platforms.

As per the Nepal Govt, at least 18 people died and more than 250 people… pic.twitter.com/H56T31drJg

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2025

Oli expressed his condolences over the deaths of the people during the protests, assuring that he will initiate a probe into the matter, the report of which will be submitted within 15 days. 

He said, "I would like to assure you that an investigation committee will be formed to investigate and analyze today's entire incident and the damage, its condition and causes, and submit a report within 15 days to recommend steps to be taken to prevent such accidents in the future." 

Adding, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives during today's demonstration. I express my deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their family members in this unthinkable incident. The government will provide appropriate relief to the families of the deceased and free treatment to the injured."