Kathmandu: At least 18 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured on Monday in Nepal as the security forces and protesters demanding the lifting of a ban on several social media platforms clashed in Kathmandu Valley and other places.
According to Kuwait News Agency, official sources reported that the casualties included protesters, security personnel, and journalists during the demonstrations against the social media ban and corruption.
While 16 deaths were reported from Kathmandu Valley, two people died in Itahari, the source said. In the wake of massive protests accompanied by violence and vandalism, the authorities in Nepal imposed a curfew in several places, including Kathmandu, where protesters stormed the Federal Parliament premises. Curfews were also imposed in Pokhara, Itahari, and Butwal Bhairahawa, as demonstrations spread to Biratnagar, Chitwan, Jhapa, and Rupandehi. The Nepalese government announced last week its decision to ban 26 social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn, triggering massive objections, especially from the younger generation.