Army deployed in Nepal amid deadly protests: 8 killed

Thousands of young people have protested in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, demanding an end to corruption and the lifting of the government's ban on social media. Students and members of the younger generation took part in the event held on Monday (September 8). At least six people were killed and more than 42 were injured in clashes with police, Reuters reported.The government recently closed 26 unregistered platforms. As a result, Facebook, YouTube and X (Twitter) cannot be used. This has angered millions of Nepali users. Especially users involved in entertainment, news and business on platforms like Instagram and YouTube are facing losses.Holding the national flag, the protesters started the protest by singing the national anthem. Later, they chanted slogans against corruption and demanding the lifting of the ban on social media.Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student, said, "We are worried about the ban. But basically we are fighting against institutional corruption in Nepal.’‘We will not accept the authoritarian attitude of the government. The change will start from our generation,’ said 20-year-old student Ikshma Tumrok.The protesters are alleging that the children of politicians are living a luxurious life, in contrast to the daily struggles of the common people. A similar comparison video has gone viral on TikTok, further fueling the protests.‘There have been movements against corruption abroad. The government is afraid that it could happen here too,’ said Bhumika Bharti, who participated in the human chain.Earlier last month, Nepal’s cabinet decided that social media companies will have to register in the country within seven days and appoint representatives. The government took this decision after the Supreme Court’s directive.The protests were mainly led by Generation Z. The protesters were not only protesting the ban on social media, but also expressing anger against the long-standing culture of corruption.Protesters began gathering in the Maitighar area of ​​Kathmandu at 9 am. The protests spread further after the government closed down unregistered platforms.The Kathmandu district administration said that an organization called 'Hami Nepal' organized the rally with permission.The protesters held placards and chanted slogans like 'No to social media', 'Stop corruption', 'Turn on social media', and 'Youth against corruption'. The protest march circled various streets in Kathmandu and headed towards the parliament building.According to the international news agency Reuters, videos from the protest showed young people holding national flags and singing the national anthem.