Indian media slammed for 'spinning false narrative' about Gen Z protests in Nepal

Nepal has lifted its ban on 26 major social media and messaging apps after violent protests left at least 19 people dead and more than 200 injured across the country.

The announcement came from Communications and Information Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, who confirmed the services had been restored just hours after demonstrators stormed towards the parliament complex in Kathmandu.

“We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” Gurung said.

The ban had sparked what were dubbed “Gen Z” protests, with thousands of young Nepalese taking to the streets on Monday. While the demonstrations were triggered by restrictions on social media, they quickly evolved into wider protests against corruption and lack of economic opportunities.

“We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari.

In the capital, protesters broke through barricades at the parliament complex, set fire to an ambulance, and clashed with security forces. Police responded with water cannons, batons and rubber bullets, while the army was deployed and a curfew imposed. Similar scenes played out in other cities.

Amnesty International said live ammunition was used, resulting in deaths and serious injuries. Police later confirmed the death toll had reached 19, with hundreds more injured.

“The law enforcement agencies must only use force where absolutely necessary and it must be strictly proportionate to the legitimate aim sought to be achieved,” Amnesty said in a statement.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed sorrow over the bloodshed, blaming “infiltration from different selfish centres” for the violence. His home minister resigned on Monday night following the killing of protesters.

The government has since announced a committee to investigate the clashes, pledged compensation for the families of those killed, and promised free medical care for the injured.

Despite the rollback of the social media ban, anti-corruption demonstrations continued into Monday night and resumed on Tuesday morning, with protesters holding placards that read “youths against corruption.”

Indian media and politicians have come under criticism for portraying the recent protests in Nepal as being solely against a social media ban, while downplaying the broader issues behind the unrest.

Indian journalist and fact-checker Muhammad Zubair wrote on X, "Indian News channels are claiming that the protest by GenZ in Nepal was for social media ban. This is not true, It’s actually against the long standing corruption, Tyranny, oppression and autocratic leadership. Social Media ban was just one of the many stimulus."

Indian News channels are claiming that the protest by GenZ in Nepal was for social media ban. This is not true, It’s actually against the long standing corruption, Tyranny, oppression and autocratic leadership. Social Media ban was just one of the many stimulus. pic.twitter.com/GaSj2QtpLU

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) September 9, 2025

Media need to represent this protest accurately and not reduce it to a ‘social media ban protest.’ This is a broader anti-corruption movement led by students, and it deserves to be reported as such.#GenZprotestNepal pic.twitter.com/YI8Fm3POfo

— Swechchha (@Swechhyaraut) September 8, 2025

Dear International Media,

The protests in Nepal are not about a social media ban, they are a fierce stand against rampant corruption. The government, colluding with national and international media, is distorting the narrative to downplay a powerful,+

— . (@tirimiridai) September 8, 2025

The truth about Nepal protests that Indian media is deliberately hiding as per a Nepali pic.twitter.com/PisHtrtM8a

— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) September 8, 2025

Get your facts correct.This is a protest against corruption. Do not try to spit your vested interest everywhere . https://t.co/kI12C0CzWN

— Sama Thapa (@samathapa) September 9, 2025