Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has conveyed profound sadness regarding the deaths of at least 19 individuals resulting from protests against corruption and the social media ban.
The demonstrations, initiated by Nepal’s Gen-Z generation, devolved into violence across Kathmandu and other cities after alleged infiltration by unidentified groups, causing widespread vandalism, arson, and confrontations with security forces.
In response, Prime Minister Oli announced the establishment of a high-level probe committee to investigate the incident and the circumstances leading to the bloodshed. He stated that the government had no policy to shut down social media platforms and clarified that recent deactivations were in adherence to a Supreme Court directive mandating social media platforms to register in Nepal.
Oli asserted that the protest was infiltrated by “various vested interests,” which instigated the violence, noting that even organizers had deemed the protest successful and urged participants to return home before the infiltrators caused damage.
Following the violence, a late-night cabinet meeting resolved to form an investigative committee tasked with submitting a report within 15 days. While many anticipated the lifting of the social media ban, no such decision was made due to Prime Minister Oli’s strong opposition.
Paradoxically, social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X, resumed functionality late at night without an official government announcement. Earlier, leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress had urged the government to lift the ban amidst growing public unrest.
The government has pledged compensation for the families of those deceased and free treatment for the injured, while also committing to ensuring accountability through the impending investigation.
Source – sarkaritel.com
For more news visit our site: Click here
