Nepal home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigns after 19 killed in ‘Gen Z’ protests over social media ban

Nepal’s home minister Ramesh Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during an emergency cabinet meeting at the official residence in Baluwatar. He cited moral responsibility for the massive youth-led protests across the country triggered by the government’s ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, Signal, and X. At least 19 people have been declared dead due to the uproar.

Dubbed “Gen-Z protests,” the demonstrations were expedited by widespread anger among young Nepalis over the social media clampdown and long-standing grievances about corruption, authoritarian governance, and political elitism. The ban, introduced on September 4, was justified by the government as a response to the social media companies’ failure to register under a new regulatory regime.

Tensions rose across Kathmandu and other urban centres as protestors tried to even storm the Parliament on Monday. Security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, batons, and water cannons to tackle the situation. Most of the fatalities have been recorded in Kathmandu, with two more deaths in Itahari. Over 200 people have also been hospitalised.

The government imposed curfews in multiple areas to restore law and order.  The United Nations has called for a prompt and transparent investigation into the killings.