Government’s decision to shut down social media is a ‘dictatorial step’, let’s protest openly: Sumana

Kathmandu: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader and House of Representatives member Sumana Shrestha has strongly opposed the government’s decision to close unlisted social media platforms in Nepal, calling it a ‘dictatorial step’. In a video, she said the move will curb citizens’ freedom of expression and digital rights.

MP Shrestha argued that the government’s action shows it sees people as nothing more than taxpayers. She expressed concern that the decision will seriously affect the communication rights of gig workers, online business operators, and Nepalis abroad who earn their livelihood through social media.

She also accused the government of interpreting the Supreme Court’s order for its own benefit. “The Supreme Court has already issued a mandate twice to allow Nepalis abroad to vote, but the government has not taken a single step forward in that regard. However, the same Supreme Court’s order has been used as a weapon to shut down social media,” she said.

Shrestha claimed the government is trying to deprive citizens of information and ideas. “We use social media to express our ideological views, but the government does not care about that,” she said angrily.

She questioned the government’s decision to shut down useful apps like Reddit, Hamro Patro, and LinkedIn. “I don’t understand why Reddit had to be shut down,” she said. “Why would LinkedIn come to Nepal and register? But we are using LinkedIn to get jobs and expand professional relationships.” She further said there is no justification for shutting down communication apps like Signal.

According to her, the government’s move will also hinder citizen journalism and efforts to expose corruption.

MP Shrestha called on people to unite and raise their voices against the decision. She urged them to share the video, send emails or letters to the Prime Minister and ministers, and express their dissatisfaction. “This is the authoritarian tendency of the Nepal government,” she said.

She further urged the government to abandon its habit of making decisions on a whim and stressed that it must put citizens’ interests at the center.

 

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: भदौ २०, २०८२ १२:२

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