Mass protests in Nepal have forced Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign, while also sparking a surge of hostility towards Indian news media.
The demonstrations, led mainly by young people, began over a government ban on social media but have expanded to address wider frustrations, including corruption, unemployment, and distrust of political leaders.
On 11 September, tensions flared in Kathmandu when protesters surrounded an Indian journalist and cameraman covering the protests. Video footage showed the crowd chanting “Go back Indian media” and other slogans. The journalist was reportedly pushed before police intervened. This was not an isolated case, as Indian reporters have faced growing hostility since the protests began.
Many in Nepal accuse the country's news outlets of misrepresenting the movement. Protesters say coverage has focused too narrowly on the social media ban while ignoring deeper issues. Others feel the reporting is dismissive of Nepal’s sovereignty, portraying the unrest mainly through the lens of India’s security and political interests.
This resentment has historical roots. During the 2015 earthquake crisis, Indian media faced criticism in Nepal for sensationalist coverage and for appearing to promote India’s relief efforts rather than focusing on the suffering of Nepali people. At that time, the hashtag #GoHomeIndianMedia went viral worldwide.
Today, the anger has resurfaced, with protesters insisting their fight is about justice and reform. Slogans such as “Stop corruption, not social media” have become rallying cries. While the government has since lifted the social media ban, calls for the dissolution of parliament and prosecution of corrupt officials continue.
With the Nepal Army now overseeing security, the situation remains tense. Alongside political uncertainty, the backlash against Indian media has become one of the defining features of the unrest, reflecting the fragile relationship between the two neighbouring nations.
