A massive anti-government protest in Nepal, triggered by a social media ban, quickly spiralled into the country’s deadliest uprising in years. In just 48 hours, anger over censorship and corruption exploded onto the streets, toppling leaders, torching government buildings, and leaving dozens dead. Here’s how the crisis unfolded. (Photo: AFP)
On September 4, the government ordered the shutdown of 26 social media platforms, citing their failure to register locally and concerns over misinformation and hate speech. Major platforms, including Facebook and X, were blocked. (Photo: PTI)
On September 8, under the banner of “Gen-Z protests,” thousands—many of them students—poured into the streets, denouncing both the ban and rampant corruption. (Photo: PTI)
The demonstrations quickly spread across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other cities. Protesters attempted to storm parliament, prompting police to fire water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and eventually live rounds. At least 19 people, mostly in Kathmandu, were killed, and more than 200 were injured. (Photo: AFP)
Although the ban on social media apps was lifted late on September 8, the outrage had already escalated. By September 9, the protests had spiralled into one of Nepal’s deadliest uprisings in years. (Photo: AFP)
Amid the violent, youth-led unrest, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel resigned on September 9. (Photo: AFP)
Enraged demonstrators stormed government buildings and set the parliament, along with the homes of several senior leaders, on fire. (Photo: PTI)
Defying curfews and heavy security deployment, protesters continued their arson attacks even after Oli’s resignation. His private residence in Balkot was torched, along with the homes of other ruling and opposition leaders. (Photo: AFP)
Nepalese Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba was attacked by protesters amid massive anti-government protests. (Photo: PTI)
Nepalese Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was chased and attacked by protesters. (Photo: PTI )
A mob also set fire to the house of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal in Dallu. His wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, was trapped inside, sustained severe burn injuries, and later succumbed at a hospital. (Photo: AFP)
By 10 PM on September 9, the army assumed control, warning that all forces would be deployed if the violence continued. The Nepalese Army has now announced a nationwide curfew. (Photo: AFP)
