“He didn’t say to ban it. The Prime Minister only said to register. Oli ji said to register. The court also said the same, to register. So what happened?

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has spoken about the ongoing controversy over Nepal’s social media restrictions.

Talking to journalists at Biratnagar Airport on Saturday, Deuba said KP Sharma Oli’s government did not order a ban but only asked platforms to register. “He didn’t say to ban it. The Prime Minister only said to register. Oli ji said to register. The court also said the same, to register. So what happened? He didn’t say to ban it,” Deuba told reporters.

Deuba’s remarks come at a time when the government has directed internet providers to block unregistered platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This has drawn heavy criticism nationwide, with many calling it a threat to free expression.

Despite the criticism, Deuba admitted he does not fully understand all the details of the government’s move but maintained that it was about regulation, not a full shutdown.