Nepal police fire tear gas as thousands protest social media ban

Kathmandu: Nepal police fired tear gas and water cannon Monday to disperse thousands of demonstrators demanding the government lift its ban on social...

Kathmandu: Nepal police fired tear gas and water cannon Monday to disperse thousands of demonstrators demanding the government lift its ban on social media and tackle corruption in the country.

Several social media sites -- including Facebook, YouTube and X -- have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.

Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the nearby Civil Hospital, said their emergency ward was packed with those injured after the clashes.

Waving national flags, young demonstrators in the capital city Kathmandu started the protest with the national anthem before unleashing chants against the social media prohibitions and corruption.