At least 14 people have been killed and dozens more injured in Nepal after security forces opened fire on protesters in the capital, Kathmandu, and across other districts during demonstrations against a government ban on social media platforms and widespread allegations of corruption.

The protests, which began peacefully with young demonstrators waving national flags and singing the anthem, escalated sharply on Monday when some protesters broke through barricades outside parliament. Police responded with batons, water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Witnesses and hospital officials reported that live rounds were also fired.

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Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, confirmed that 10 protesters had died and 87 others were injured in the clashes, adding that “the crowds are still in the streets.” Doctors at Civil Hospital described chaotic scenes as tear gas drifted into treatment areas. “I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” said Ranjana Nepal, the hospital’s information officer.

At the National Trauma Centre, seven protesters succumbed to their wounds, according to Badri Risal, chief medical superintendentm“Many of them are in serious condition and appear to have been shot in the head and chest,” he said. Families of the injured gathered anxiously outside emergency wards while others lined up to donate blood.

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The demonstrations were triggered after the government on Friday blocked access to 26 unregistered online platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, leaving millions cut off from their primary sources of news, communication, and business. Only TikTok remained operational, where videos contrasting the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children with the struggles of ordinary citizens went viral, fuelling public anger.

But protesters insist their grievances run deeper than the ban. “We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.” Another demonstrator, 20-year-old Ikshama Tumrok, said the protests reflected a broader rejection of the government “authoritarian attitudes.”

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Authorities have imposed a sweeping curfew across central Kathmandu, including the parliament complex, the president’s residence, and Singha Durbar — home to the prime minister’s office. Muktiram Rijal, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Administration Office, said police had orders to deploy water cannon, batons, and rubber bullets, and that the army had been called in to enforce order. The curfew is due to remain in place until 10pm.

The government has defended its decision, saying the ban was introduced after a Supreme Court order last year required foreign platforms to register locally, designate compliance officers, and establish a grievance mechanism. In a statement, officials said they respected freedom of expression and were committed to ensuring “unfettered use” of online platforms within a regulated framework.

This is not Nepal’s first clash with online services. Telegram was briefly blocked in July over fraud concerns, while TikTok was banned for nine months before being reinstated last year after agreeing to follow Nepali rules.
For many protesters, however, Monday’s bloodshed represents a breaking point. “We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” Tumrok said.