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Protests Sweep Kathmandu After Ban on Social Media Platforms
SITUATION UPDATE | Intelligence cut off: 11:00 BST 10 SEPTEMBER 2025
Latest Developments in Nepal Protests and Unrest
On 8 September, Gen Z-led protests broke out targeting government corruption and its decision to restrict 26 unregistered social media and online platforms in Nepal. Protests quickly escalated into clashes as protesters broke into a restricted area and entered the Federal Parliament premises. Security forces have used live ammunition and tear gas, and the government has imposed a curfew in several districts.
Clashes have continued to worsen, with crowds setting fire to the parliament in Kathmandu and the Hilton Hotel in Naxal, Kathmandu, and attacking government buildings and houses of political leaders on 9 September. Over 1,500 inmates have escaped from several prisons. Many leaders have taken refuge with security forces, and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned, with no one yet replacing him, inducing a power vacuum in the country. Overall, at least 19 protesters have died.
The military has imposed a nationwide prohibitory order until 1700 local time, 10 September, followed by a curfew until 0600 local time, 11 September. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu’s primary international airport, is currently closed and is set to re-open at 1800 local time, 10 September. The closure has already been extended and will likely remain in place if major civil unrest continues. Government attempts to placate protesters, including by rescinding the social media ban, failed to quell the widespread civil unrest. However, with the military taking control of Nepal’s internal security, the streets of Kathmandu have reportedly remained calm on 10 September. Given the fractured political situation, there is a realistic possibility that civil unrest will once again restart, with the weekend being the most likely time for renewed protests.
SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 10:30 BST 08 SEPTEMBER 2025
Nepal Protests Escalate After Social Media Ban
On 8 September, Gen Z-led protests broke out targeting government corruption and its decision to restrict 26 unregistered social media and online platforms in Nepal. The social media platforms include X, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat. The ban was imposed after the companies failed to register with the government within a seven-day deadline. In the lead-up to the protests, hashtags including “#NepoKid” and “#NepoBabies” trended online, gaining support for the protest movement. Organisers have shared information on protest routes via social media and have encouraged students to join the demonstrations in their uniforms.
Demonstrators gathered at Maitighar in Kathmandu at 09:00 local time in a rally organised by the “Hami Nepal” group, which sought prior permission. Protests escalated when demonstrators pelted stones at security forces, who were using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition fired into the air to disperse the crowd. Protesters subsequently broke into a restricted area and entered the Federal Parliament premises. One protester has reportedly died after being shot by security forces and several others have been injured in clashes. Photographers and journalists covering the protests were among those injured, with employees of Naya Patrika, Nepal Press, and Kantipur Television hit by rubber bullets.
In response to the demonstrations, the Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew in New Baneshwar under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act. The curfew is effective from 12:30 to 22:00 local time and covers Baneshwor Chowk to Bijuli Bazaar bridge (west), Tinkune Chowk (east), Ratna Rajya School (north), and Shankhamul bridge (south). The curfew was then extended to include the President’s residence, Shital Niwas area, Maharajgunj, the vice-president’s residence in Lainchaur, all sides of Singha Durbar, the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding areas. The government deployed the Nepali Army in New Baneshwor.
Protests have also spread to several other cities in Nepal, including Biratnagar, Butwal, Chitwan, and Pokhara. Several celebrities, journalists, members of the opposition and other prominent figures, including the Mayor of Kathmandu, have endorsed the protests.
INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS
Social Media Restrictions Deepen Nepal’s Political and Social Rift
The protests occur amid broader frustration with a lack of access to basic healthcare, food insecurity, and shortages of essential medications. The population’s economic insecurity has been exacerbated by frequent flash flooding in recent months. In July and August, heavy floods impacted Nepal, disrupting trade and damaging hydropower plants. Members of the government, in contrast, are perceived to be living in luxury. Nepal is ranked 107 out of 180 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, with frequent corruption scandals and legal retaliation against journalists.
The government’s decision to ban 26 major social media and online platforms has almost certainly been perceived as government overreach and an attempt to introduce censorship. Approximately half of Nepal’s population uses these platforms, and usage is disproportionate among Gen-Z. Communication apps like WhatsApp are also heavily relied on to communicate both within Nepal and to diaspora communities abroad. Unless repealed, these restrictions will almost certainly continue to fuel resentment towards the government.
VPN usage in Nepal has increased markedly since the 4 September ban on online platforms. This has enabled a partial circumvention of the ban. The government has warned against the indiscriminate use of VPNs and has hinted at restricting VPN usage. Should the government impose restrictions on VPN usage, it is highly likely that protest movements will intensify.
Restrictions on social media and online platforms will likely reduce the spread of disinformation and limit the ability of protest groups to coordinate online. However, the move will also likely obfuscate the true scale, size, and nature of the protests, restricting independent reporting and situational awareness for anyone in-country. Potential information gaps will likely increase reliance on state narratives, with limited opportunities for independent verification.
The use of rubber bullets against journalists will almost certainly portray security forces as using excessive force to quell dissent. The death of a protester will highly likely further exacerbate protests. The endorsement of the protests by prominent people, including key political figures, is likely to provide the protest with a degree of legitimacy and could provide the movement with some form of leadership, dynamics that could sustain the momentum of current protests.
Travel and Safety Guidance for Nepal
- Avoid the areas around Baneshwor Chowk, as well as all major government buildings, university and police facilities. Reassess travel to central Kathmandu.
- Allocate additional time for all road travel in Kathmandu, and other major cities in Nepal.
- Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
- Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
- Always follow all instructions and orders from security forces. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in a secure accommodation.
- Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
- Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
- If caught in the vicinity of a security incident, seek shelter immediately and leave the area if safe to do so. Continue to adhere to all instructions issued by authorities and obey any security cordons in place.
- Monitor trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.
