SASIA

Nepal Lifts Social Media‌ Ban as Protesters Defy Curfew Amid Corruption Concerns

Kathmandu, ‌Nepal – Defying a ​government-imposed curfew, anti-corruption‌ protesters took to the streets of ‍Nepal’s⁤ capital on Tuesday, demanding accountability from officials implicated in‌ widespread graft. In response to the demonstrations, the Nepali government has lifted a recent ban on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, which had been implemented to quell​ the⁢ growing unrest.

The protests, fueled ​by allegations of corruption involving high-ranking officials and‍ concerns over a proposed ​anti-corruption bill perceived as weakening investigative ​powers, represent a significant challenge to Prime Minister Pushpa kamal Dahal’s administration. The lifting of the social media ban signals a potential shift in the ⁣government’s approach to managing‍ the crisis, though the underlying ⁢issues of corruption and public trust remain unresolved. The demonstrations highlight a growing frustration among Nepalis with perceived impunity and⁣ a lack of transparency within the government,possibly impacting future political⁤ stability and⁤ economic‌ progress.

Thousands gathered in‍ Kathmandu’s Basantapur area,⁣ chanting slogans ‌against corruption and demanding the resignation of those accused of wrongdoing. police initially attempted to disperse the ‍crowds, ⁢but protesters largely remained ⁣defiant, ‌leading to minor clashes.Reports indicate several protesters were‍ detained, though the exact number remains unclear.

“We are ⁣here to‌ demand a⁣ clean government and an⁣ end ‍to corruption,” ⁣said activist⁤ Subash ‌Thapa, speaking to Reuters amidst the protests.⁢ “The people of Nepal ​have had enough. We will not be⁤ silenced.”

The government initially justified the social media ban, ‌implemented on monday, as a measure to maintain law ‍and order and prevent the spread of misinformation. However, the move drew sharp criticism from ‌rights groups and international observers, who ​condemned it as a ⁢violation of freedom of expression. ‌

“Restricting access to information and interaction technologies is not a solution to addressing social ⁣unrest,” said‍ a statement released by Amnesty International. “The Nepali government must respect the rights‍ of ⁤its citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

The protests were sparked by allegations surrounding⁣ a recent corruption scandal involving a contract to import chemicals‍ for​ a state-owned enterprise. The proposed anti-corruption bill,‍ which critics say would limit the authority of the anti-graft agency, further inflamed public anger.

The⁣ government ‌has yet to‌ respond directly to the protesters’ ⁢demands,⁤ but officials have indicated they are ⁢open to dialogue.‍ The situation remains fluid, and further protests are expected in the coming days. The outcome of this crisis will likely shape Nepal’s​ political landscape and determine‍ the ⁤government’s ability ​to address the deep-rooted issues of corruption⁤ that plague the nation.