Nepal's government lifts ban on social media after deadly protests

Nepal's government has lifted a controversial ban on social media platforms following violent protests in which at least 19 people died.

The Cabinet took this decision after a late-night crisis meeting, Nepali Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told the local news portal OnlineKhabar.

On Monday, at least 19 people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and police in the country, including at least 17 in Kathmandu.

Over 100 people were injured, including police officers, according to authorities.

The unrest follows the government's decision last week to block 26 online networks, including Facebook and Instagram, across the Himalayan nation. Authorities accused the platforms of failing to register properly.

In August, Nepal's Supreme Court had ordered that the affected online services be placed under state supervision to help combat the spread of misinformation online.

Critics say the government is using the measure to expand control over the platforms rather than merely to regulate them.

Thousands of people, mostly young people aged roughly 18 to 30, took to the streets across the country to protest the move.

In Kathmandu, the situation escalated on Monday when protesters tried to force their way into the parliament building. Participants in the protests also voiced concerns about rising government corruption.