Overview

• The government’s September 4 order blocking 26 major platforms was rolled back after violent clashes, with officials announcing an investigation into the crackdown.
• Reported death tolls vary widely across outlets, with figures ranging from at least 19 to more than 30 and one report citing 51, reflecting contested accounts of the violence.
• Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, the army imposed curfews in Kathmandu, and security forces continue street control as the political transition remains unsettled.
• Downloads of Bitchat surpassed 48,000 in Nepal on September 8, with users turning to its Bluetooth mesh, accountless design, and offline functionality during restrictions.
• Large Discord servers—reported at 100,000 to 145,000 members—have hosted debates on an interim leader, with former chief justice Sushila Karki drawing support and civic organizers engaging with military leaders to convey proposals.