Nepal’s former Deputy Prime Minister Rajendra Mahato has slammed the government’s controversial social media ban amid raging protests led by the country’s Gen Z youth. He demands its immediate lift, warning that the tough crackdown could spark even more unrest across the Himalayan nation.
In an exclusive chat with , Mahato didn’t hold back. “We need to scrap this ban right now,” he said. “Social media isn’t something to shut down completely—there should be smart alternatives. Punish the wrongdoers harshly, but treat injured protesters with humanity. Curfews won’t stop these protests; they’ll just spread like wildfire. The government must act fast and take this seriously.”
The Nepal protests kicked off as young people vented fury over alleged government corruption and the sudden social media clampdown, which many see as a way to muzzle their voices. Mahato pointed fingers at the ruling Communist parties for stirring up “anti-India nationalism” that’s hurting Nepal and its people. “These parties have fueled anti-India feelings, which damages our nation’s interests and harms ordinary citizens,” he added.
He called the social media ban “a direct attack on democracy and people’s freedom.” Banning platforms nationwide has only fanned the flames of protests, Mahato said. “This is the government’s sneaky way to hide their failures and silence public anger. Nepalis have lost their key tool to voice concerns—it’s unacceptable.”
Mahato highlighted the deep frustration boiling over. “Our citizens won’t stand for this. The whole country is up in arms because it goes against democratic principles. Our youth used social media to call out the government’s missteps, but leaders couldn’t handle the heat and slapped on the ban.”
He linked the ban straight to corruption scandals rocking the ruling party. “Big corruption cases always point back to them. To bury their scandals, they’re crushing social media and twisting the constitution to fit their agenda,” Mahato explained.
On Nepal-India relations, Mahato expressed deep worry about the souring ties under the current regime. “There’s a plot to weaken our bond with India, and it helps no one—not Nepal or its people. We share unbreakable cultural and religious links with India that no other nation can touch. I’ve always pushed for stronger ties and making the most of this partnership, but the Communist parties have sabotaged it.”
He emphasized the value of this friendship: “India and Nepal have shared a strong relationship for decades. Anyone who tries to wreck it will face the consequences.”
Mahato also voiced concerns about Nepal’s global image. “We fought hard for our independence, but now the world slams these protests as threats to democracy. This is tarnishing Nepal’s reputation on the international stage.”
Things are heating up in Kathmandu, where the situation stays tense. Reports from The Kathmandu Post say at least eight people have died as Gen Z-led Nepal protests against corruption and the social media ban turned violent. Hundreds gathered at Maitighar to rage against the ban, which has ignited massive outrage among young Nepalis.
The crowds went wild, breaking into no-go zones and storming the Federal Parliament in New Baneshwor. Authorities hit back hard, slapping curfews on key areas and calling in the Nepali Army. Security forces fired tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even shots in the air to break up the mobs. But protesters keep fighting back fiercely against the crackdown.
