Nepal lifts social media ban after 19 killed in protests

Nepal has lifted a social media ban, which sparked protests and led to clashes with police that left at least 19 people dead and injured more than 100 others.

In the weeks before the ban, a "nepo kid" campaign, spotlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children and allegations of corruption, had taken off on social media.

When the government moved to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, protests erupted with thousands of young people storming parliament in the capital Kathmandu on Monday. Several districts are now under a curfew.

A government minister said they lifted the ban after an emergency meeting late on Monday night to "address the demands of Gen Z".

On Monday, police in Kathmandu had fired water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters.

Prime Minister Oli said he was "deeply saddened" by the violence and casualty toll, and blamed the day's events on "infiltration by various vested interest groups".

The government would set up a panel to investigate the protests, he said, adding that it would also offer financial "relief" to the families of those who died and free treatment to those injured.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak submitted his resignation on Monday evening following intense criticism over his administration's use of force during the protests.