Nepal Protests Live Updates: Protesters Set Fire to Minister’s House

Fresh student-led demonstrations erupted across Nepal on Tuesday morning, just hours after the government lifted a controversial ban on social media that had sparked violent clashes between protesters and security forces.

Despite curfews and restrictions, protesters vandalised the residence of former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, and gathered outside former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba’s home in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. Demonstrators also blocked key roads near Parliament and in Kalanki, chanting slogans and confronting police. Visuals showed violent clashes in the capital.

In response, the Kathmandu District Administration Office reimposed an indefinite curfew inside the Ring Road area.

Why are people protesting?

The unrest was triggered by public anger over last week’s internet restrictions, including a ban on social media platforms that had not registered with Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Protesters denounced the move as authoritarian and have vowed to continue until Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigns.

Government response

On Monday night, following an emergency cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Oli announced that the social media ban had been lifted. In a statement, he blamed “infiltration by various vested interest groups” for the violence and promised an investigation. He also pledged financial relief for victims and free treatment for the injured.

Key developments so far

• Student-led protests intensified on Tuesday, despite curfew orders.

• Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew within Kathmandu’s Ring Road area.

• Security forces opened fire on protesters in Kathmandu and Itahari on Monday, leaving at least 19 people dead.

• Protesters demand Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation.

• The government has lifted the social media ban after an emergency cabinet meeting.

• A committee will investigate the protests, and victims will receive compensation.