Violent unrest on streets of Nepal claims 19 lives during demonstrations against the administration

In the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, tensions have escalated as protests against the government's decision to block 26 online networks have turned violent. Thousands of protesters, primarily younger individuals aged around 18 to 30, have been rallying against this decision, which was made last week.

The protests began in response to the government's action, with the "Kathmandu Post" and other local media reporting that the police used water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition against protesters in an attempt to prevent them from entering the parliament building. The situation has become increasingly dire, with at least 19 people confirmed dead and over 100 people, including police officers, injured.

The Nepal government has accused the blocked platforms of not registering properly, but the current approach to controlling the platforms has faced strong criticism for expanding government control rather than regulation. This criticism has intensified in the face of the violent response to the protests.

The protesters have not only been vocal about the issue of censorship, but they have also criticized increasing corruption in the state. The protests are not just limited to Kathmandu, as they have also erupted in the eastern city of Itahari, resulting in the death of two people.

The situation took a turn for the worse on the evening of local time, with Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigning during a cabinet meeting. The resignation came amidst reports of additional deaths and injuries beyond those previously reported, including critical injuries with gunshot wounds to the head or chest.

This violent turn of events follows a court order in August, when the Supreme Court ordered the affected online services to be placed under state supervision to combat misinformation. However, the government's actions have sparked a wave of anger and resistance among the Nepalese people, leading to the ongoing protests and the tragic loss of life.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the Nepalese government faces a significant challenge in addressing the concerns of its citizens while maintaining peace and order. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the voices of the Nepalese people are being heard, and their demands for transparency, accountability, and freedom of expression will not be ignored.