Actress Manisha Koirala calls it a “black day for Nepal” as Gen Z-led protests against the social media ban intensify, leaving at least 19 dead. UN demands a transparent inquiry while curfews grip Kathmandu amid escalating violence.
Kathmandu is reeling under the shadow of violence as the Gen Z-led protest against the government’s recent social media ban intensifies. Bollywood actress and Nepali cultural icon Manisha Koirala has described the unfolding situation as a “black day for Nepal,” a remark that has added global attention to the crisis.
Taking to Instagram, Koirala expressed her anguish, writing: “Today is a black day for Nepal — when bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption and demand for justice.” Her post, shared widely, resonated with the sentiments of many who see the current unrest as a watershed moment in the country’s struggle for freedom of expression and accountability.
The Trigger: Social Media Ban
The ongoing protests began on September 4, 2025, after the Nepali government announced a sweeping ban on 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Officials cited the move as an effort to curb the spread of “misinformation and unrest,” but critics argue it was an attempt to silence dissent and restrict free speech, especially among the youth.
The ban immediately sparked outrage, particularly among Gen Z activists, who have long used social media as a platform to voice grievances against corruption, unemployment, and lack of political reforms. What started as peaceful rallies in Kathmandu and other urban centers quickly escalated into violent confrontations after security forces reportedly opened fire on demonstrators.
Casualties and Public Reactions
If sources are to be believed, at least 19 protesters have lost their lives, with many others injured in clashes across Nepal. The death toll has only fueled more anger, drawing emotional reactions from both within the country and abroad.
Comments on Koirala’s post captured the grief and rage of people. One user wrote: “Truly sad, Nepali government and law force is the most corrupted. It’s so sad young people were killed by them for protesting against corruption. No hope for Nepal unless the whole government structure is corrected. RIP Angels.”
Another user, posting from India, highlighted the regional concern: “From India, I stand shaken and furious at the news from Nepal. A protest meant to be peaceful, led by the brave Gen Z youth, now counts 20 dead. Twenty dreams crushed, twenty voices silenced but not the movement. Nepal’s youth have shown the kind of courage and unity that shakes power to its core.”
A third comment reflected a different sentiment altogether, calling for political restructuring: “KING SHOULD COME BACK AND BALEN AS PM. KING WILL CHECK PM AND PEOPLE WILL CHECK KING. Check and balance.”
Curfew and Security Measures
The violence has led the district administration to impose strict curfews in sensitive areas of Kathmandu, including around Singha Durbar, which houses the Prime Minister’s office, as well as near the President’s residence and the Parliament. Streets remain tense, with heavy deployment of security forces to prevent further escalation.
International Concerns and UN Response
The international community has begun voicing its concern. The United Nations called for an urgent investigation into the killings. Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights Office, stated: “We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation.”
Human rights watchdogs have also cautioned the government against further escalation, warning that excessive use of force could push the nation into deeper unrest.
A Defining Moment for Nepal
For many observers, the Gen Z protests in Nepal represent more than a reaction to a social media ban — they embody the rising frustrations of a generation disillusioned with corruption, lack of economic opportunities, and political stagnation. The government’s attempt to silence online spaces may have inadvertently triggered a larger movement demanding structural reforms and greater accountability.
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As Manisha Koirala’s powerful words echo across Nepal and beyond, the country stands at a crossroads. Will the government choose dialogue and reform, or will it continue down the path of forceful suppression? For the families mourning their young ones, and for the thousands still protesting on the streets, the answer could shape Nepal’s future for years to come.
