New Delhi: In neighbouring country Nepal, a crowd of youth took to the streets against the government in protest against the social media ban. The situation became so uncontrollable that angry protesters resorted to arson, vandalism and stone pelting. 20 people lost their lives in the violent protest, while more than 300 were injured. Nepal’s Home Minister resigned from his post.
After this, the Nepal government came on the back feet and a decision has been taken to restore all social media apps. Curfew is still imposed in some cities. Force has been deployed at every nook and corner. Orders have been given to shoot the anarchic elements on sight. Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli has expressed grief for the dead.
What did PM KP Sharma say
Amid the deteriorating situation due to the protest of the Gen-Z group, Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli has said a big. He first expressed deep grief for the dead. Along with this, he claimed that violence broke out due to the infiltration of some unwanted elements in the peaceful protest, and the government had to use force to save public property. The government’s aim was not to ban social media sites but to regulate them. He further said that he also announced the formation of an investigation committee to submit a report in 15 days.
Nepali government on its back foot, ban on social media lifted.
Seeing the youth’s protest becoming violent, the Nepali government came on the back foot. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced after an emergency cabinet meeting that the government has withdrawn the social media ban. Guidelines have been issued to the concerned agencies to immediately start the process of restarting the platforms.
Along with this, he has also appealed to the ‘Gen-Z’ group to end the protest. Soon after this, thousands of youth, including school students, participated in front of the Parliament in Kathmandu. A huge demonstration was held under the banner of ‘Gen Z and anti-government slogans were also raised. When some protesters entered the Parliament premises, the police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Hospitals are running out of space
The youth’s protest turned violent in many places, in which people lost their lives and a large number of people were injured. According to a report, 347 people have been injured and are undergoing treatment. Beds in some big hospitals are all booked, due to which there is a shortage of space.