chaoticclashes on Nepal's streets, resulting in 19 fatalities, as demonstrators express outrage against the current government

In the heart of Nepal, a wave of unrest has swept through multiple cities, as protests against the shutdown of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have gained momentum. The demonstrations, primarily targeting the controversial decision against these platforms, have resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people and left over 100 injured.

The protests in Kathmandu reached a boiling point when thousands of protesters attempted to storm the parliament building. Police, in an attempt to maintain order, used water cannons, tear gas, and reportedly live ammunition against the demonstrators. The police spokesperson, Binod Ghimire, confirmed the death toll of at least 19 people. Two people were also reportedly killed in clashes in the eastern city of Itahari.

The Supreme Court ordered in August that the affected online services be placed under state supervision to combat misinformation online. However, the government's decision to block 26 online networks has sparked further protests in other parts of the country.

The government accused the platforms of not registering properly, but the current approach to regulating the platforms is facing strong criticism for attempting to expand the government's control. The protests were led by younger people, aged around 18 to 30, who also criticized increasing corruption in the state.

The unrest culminated in the resignation of Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak during an evening cabinet meeting. The new interior minister, who took over after Lekhak's resignation, was not explicitly named in the search results. The available sources only reported Lekhak's resignation, but they did not provide the name of his successor.

The protesters, many of whom were left in critical condition with gunshot wounds to the head or chest, have become a symbol of resistance against government overreach and the suppression of free speech. As the nation mourns the loss of life, the question remains: will the government heed the calls for reform and restore access to social media platforms, or will the protests continue to escalate?