Kathmandu, Sep 09 (V7N) – The Nepal government has withdrawn its controversial ban on social media following days of massive student protests under the banner of the ‘Gen-G Revolution’.

The decision came late Monday night (Sept 8) in a special cabinet meeting, where ministers agreed to restore access to popular platforms in response to growing unrest.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Suba Gurung announced that the government had decided to lift the ban after acknowledging the intensity of the movement and the demands raised by students.

The move follows the dramatic resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lakhakar, who stepped down during a cabinet session earlier on Monday. Submitting his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at Baluwatar, the PM’s official residence, Lakhakar cited moral responsibility after 19 people were killed and over 400 injured in violent clashes between security forces and protesters.

The ban, imposed on September 4, had blocked access to 26 social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. The government justified the move by accusing fake ID users of spreading hatred, fueling rumors, committing cybercrimes, and undermining social harmony.

Authorities had earlier set a deadline for social media platforms to register in Nepal. When the deadline expired, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) was ordered to enforce the ban, triggering widespread outrage. Protesters argued that the move was aimed at silencing public voices rather than regulating online activity.

The lifting of the ban marks a significant victory for Nepal’s student movement, which has shaken the government and forced key policy reversals in just a matter of days.

END/SMA/AJ