At least 13 people have been killed and dozens injured in Nepal after demonstrations against a government social media ban led to clashes between protesters and security forces.
Thousands heeded a call by demonstrators describing themselves as Generation Z to gather near the parliament building in Kathmandu over the decision to ban platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Nepal's Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba told the BBC that police had to use force, which included water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets.
The government claims that social media platforms need regulation to address fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.
However, popular platforms like Instagram have millions of users in Nepal, who rely on them for entertainment, news, and business.
Demonstrators carried placards with slogans like enough is enough and end to corruption, expressing their grievances against the government.
As the rally moved into a restricted area near parliament, some protesters climbed over barriers, prompting police to deploy tear gas and water cannons.
After efforts to breach security, authorities imposed a curfew around the parliament area.
Last week, the government ordered the blocking of 26 social media platforms for failing to comply with registration requirements. Users have been experiencing difficulties accessing these sites, though some are using VPNs to bypass the restrictions.
Nepal's government contends it is not banning social media but rather ensuring they comply with local laws.
