NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Nepal has lifted a social media ban that sparked deadly anti-corruption protests in the Himalayan nation, with 19 people killed and more than 100 injured as security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
Here is a look at what happened.
WHY DID PROTESTS BREAK OUT?
The Nepalese government’s decision to block access to several social media platforms that missed a deadline to register with the authorities was the spark for the demonstration.
When announcing the ban last week, the government said it was cracking down on misuse of the platforms, where some users with fake IDs were spreading hatred and rumours, committing cybercrime and disturbing social harmony.
Organisers of the protests, who have called them “demonstrations by Gen Z”, said young people were also frustrated with what they perceived as the government’s failure to tackle corruption and boost economic opportunities.
HOW DID THE SITUATION BECOME VIOLENT?
The protests, consisting mostly of young people – many wearing school or college uniforms – began in Kathmandu but quickly spread to other cities, and police were ordered to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to control the crowds.
Officials in the capital city said some of the protesters forced their way into the parliament complex – where the army was also deployed – set fire to an ambulance and hurled objects at security personnel.
Protesters said they were unarmed and security forces had fired indiscriminately.
HOW HAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED?
Nepal’s home minister resigned on Monday, taking “moral responsibility” for the violence, and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the unrest.
The social media ban was lifted overnight, with all apps subsequently available to users in Nepal.
The government has announced relief payments for the families of those killed and free treatment for the injured, and created a panel to determine causes of the protests, assess losses, and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future.
The panel has to submit a report within 15 days.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND NOW?
Protesters have called for people to participate in condolence meetings on Tuesday in memory of those killed in Monday’s protests.
The government, in response, has imposed an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu city, and banned all protests, mass gatherings, meetings and assemblies.
A curfew has also been imposed in some other districts, including the neighbouring region of Lalitpur.
(Compiled by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Tom Hogue)
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