Kathmandu, Sept 9 (HS): Nepal has declared a two-day mourning across schools and colleges after several students lost their lives during the Gen Z-led protests against the government’s social media clampdown. Major educational associations, including NMA, APEN, HISSAN, National PABSON, and PABSON, jointly announced that all academic institutions will remain closed on September 9 and 10 in tribute to the deceased students.

The decision came hours after the government quietly restored access to popular platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and YouTube, following days of restrictions that had fueled nationwide demonstrations.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, conceding that his government failed to communicate effectively with the younger generation, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and appealed to protesters to return home. Oli clarified that the government never intended a blanket social media ban and assured a judicial probe into the violent incidents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar